Part 10/11:
Why did high command choose to deprioritize the southern sector despite having the manpower? The evidence points toward a misjudged strategic focus—aiming for a decisive strike against Moscow and the Caucasus while neglecting the logistical realities. This neglect was compounded by an operational paradigm that prioritized grand offensive plans over effective resource management.
Conclusion: Rethinking the Narrative
In light of the detailed analysis, the notion that the Germans "bled to death" in Stalingrad due to a manpower shortage appears false. The German forces at Stalingrad were not inherently doomed by lack of personnel; rather, they suffered because of systemic failures in reinforcement policies and strategic planning.