Moreover, in November, the Soviets launched a massive counterattack in which two prongs of the Red Army about 50 miles north and south of Stalingrad linked up, completely encircling the Germans.
Army Group South halted in the southern Soviet city of Stalingrad. The battle began in July 1942 and by October, the Germans had taken most of the city. However, as winter fell, morale dropped. Moreover, in November, the Soviets launched a massive counterattack in which two prongs of the Red Army about 50 miles north and south of Stalingrad linked up, completely encircling the Germans. At this point, the Army Group South had lost the battle and by the beginning of February 1943, all had surrendered. Stalingrad thus marked a turning point in the Second World War. It signified the furthest extent of the Third Reich's territorial reach. Furthermore, for the majority of the rest of the conflict, the German Army was on the defensive.