The Battle of Smolensk

The Battle of Smolensk took place in 1941 during World War II, as Nazi Germany advanced into the Soviet Union. It was a fierce clash where Soviet forces tried to defend the city of Smolensk from the advancing German army. Although the Soviets fought hard and inflicted damage on the Germans, they eventually had to retreat due to overwhelming pressure and strategic reasons. The battle was significant because it delayed German progress toward Moscow, buying time for Soviet defenses to strengthen. It demonstrated the intense fighting on the Eastern Front and highlighted both the resilience and challenges faced by Soviet forces.