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Show Notes
With the battle over, peace reigns across Leipzig.
However, the American occupation forces are confronted with a new set of challenges in the city.
The dead must be buried, the destroyed buildings must be rebuilt, and if possible, Leipzig’s return to democracy must be achieved.
But whatever challenges the people of Leipzig faced under the Americans, nothing can prepare them for the arrival of the Soviets…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected]
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Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto
Sources used for the series:
German-language:
Jürgen Möller, "Die letzte Schlacht–Leipzig 1945", Verlag Rockstuhl, 2014.
Manfred v. Ungern-Sternberg, "Spaziergang nach Leipzig: Beitrag zur Leipziger Stadtgeschichte. Ein Bericht zum Kriegsende 1945. Erlebnisse eines Thomaners", Shaker Media GmbH, 2020.
"Leipzig am Ende des Krieges" - Eine Ausstellung des Stadtarchivs Leipzig (PDF), 2005.
Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Kriegsende vor 80 Jahren in Leipzig: Leserinnen und LVZ-Leser berichten von harten Zeiten".
Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Leipzigs vergessener Bürgermeister".
Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Wie der US-Stadtkommandant von Leipzig das Frühjahr 1945 erlebte".
English-language:
Karel Margry, "The battle for Leipzig", Issue 130 "After The Battle" magazine, Battle of Britain International Ltd, 2005.
Michael E. Haskew, "Last Stand at Völkerschlachtdenkmal: The Battle of Leipzig, 1945", Warfare History Network, 2019.
More from Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast
On the night of the 31st of August 1939, as Europe stood on the brink of war, Nazi Germany staged a series of false-flag attacks along the German-Polish border, carefully choreographed to provide a pretext for their invasion of Poland.
American forces have captured most of Leipzig, but key strongholds throughout the city remain in German hands.
With Leipzig surrounded on all sides by American forces, the US 2nd Infantry Division and the 69th Infantry Division launch their assault on the city.
April 1945: American forces, led by US V Corps, advance across central Germany, seeking to crush the Third Reich once and for all.
An introduction to the Battle of Leipzig, including an overview of the importance of the city to the Third Reich’s war effort.