History of Europe

What happened to Leningrad in 1941?

During the summer of 1941, German troops advanced rapidly towards the city of Leningrad (present-day Saint Petersburg), which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. They attempted to capture the city, which was a key industrial and cultural center. The German forces ultimately failed to capture Leningrad itself but succeeded in cutting off the city from the rest of the country, beginning a siege that lasted from September 1941 until January 1944.

During the siege, Leningrad suffered tremendously. The city was subjected to heavy aerial bombardment and artillery fire, resulting in widespread destruction and high civilian casualties. The city's population experienced severe shortages of food, fuel, and other essential supplies due to the blockade. The harsh winter conditions further aggravated the situation, leading to widespread starvation, disease, and a high death toll among the population.

The defenders of Leningrad, both military and civilian, demonstrated incredible resilience and determination in resisting the German advance and keeping the city from being captured. The siege had a profound impact on Leningrad, resulting in significant loss of life and leaving lasting scars on the city and its inhabitants.