America's Stalingrad: Battle of Aachen

America's Stalingrad: Battle of Aachen | Animated History

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2 жыл бұрын

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Sources:
Battle of the Bulge / Battle of Germany. Directed by Don Horan. A&E Television Networks, 1983.
DiMarco, Louis A.. Concrete Hell : Urban Warfare from Stalingrad to Iraq. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2012.
Felton, Mark. Aachen 1944 - America's Mini Stalingrad. 2019.
Irvine, Amy. “How Did the Battle of Aachen Unfold and Why Was It Significant?” History Hit. History Hit, January 22, 2021. www.historyhit.com/day-histor....
Kingseed, Cole. From Omaha Beach to Dawson's Ridge : The Combat Journal of Captain Joe Dawson. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2013
The Big Picture: Battlefields of Yesterday. Films On Demand. 2008.
The Military Engineer 55, no. 367 (1963): 385-385. www.jstor.org/stable/44575126.
Whitlock, Flint. “The Battle of Aachen: Breaking down the Door to Europe in WWII.” Warfare History Network, September 30, 2020. warfarehistorynetwork.com/201....
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Пікірлер: 1 700

@TheArmchairHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

@flubber11usa7 2 жыл бұрын

Love your work!

@user-vp8qq3ev7m 2 жыл бұрын

@@flubber11usa7 nice

@abeliefornot 2 жыл бұрын

hii

@stevemc01 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Griffin and co. Just wanna say two things: 1. ABSOLUTELY GOD TIER WORK, and I hope you all have a good year on KZfaq. 2. Discord link died

@puffingaming1944 2 жыл бұрын

Can you do the battle of Ortona!?

@nocturnalrecluse1216 2 жыл бұрын

I had an uncle who fought in that battle. He ended up shooting a pregnant woman before she could shoot him as he was ordered to clear a basement. The incident haunted him for life. My grandmother used to tell me how he would break down and sob everytime her mother used to ask him to fetch something from the basement. They are all gone now. I miss them so much.

@Gutbomber 2 жыл бұрын

Omg!

@nocturnalrecluse1216 2 жыл бұрын

@@Gutbomber war is hell

@ernestogastelum9123 2 жыл бұрын

@@nocturnalrecluse1216 damn your grandmother is a savage making your dad go down to the basement knowing that would trigger his ptsd

@nocturnalrecluse1216 2 жыл бұрын

@@ernestogastelum9123 Not my dad. My eldest uncle. 😆 And That was my great grandmother who was born in the late 19th century who was his mother and my grandmother was his younger sister.

@nocturnalrecluse1216 2 жыл бұрын

@@ernestogastelum9123 And she didn't force him into the basement. He just broke down crying every time he had to go in there because of PTSD. She didn't know at the time until he told her what happened. She was very supportive of him.

@martynhladyk6747 Жыл бұрын

My Grandfather had fought in this battle. He was part of the 9th Infantry Division. He never talked about it and would jump up whenever he hears a car breaks down. I couldn't imagine what carnage he must of went through and survived this ordeal. He was captured by the Vichy-French in Morrocco and escaped during a sand dune in North Africa and was picked up by the British in 1942. In 1943, he participated in Sicily and Italy. Then in he was on 2nd wave on D-Day in Utah Beach, Normandy. And realising he also went through this battle in October 1944. In Memory of Staff Sergent Martin J. Lunde 1913-2000.

@shanebarfield2925 Жыл бұрын

God Bless him

@seanseawright1501 Жыл бұрын

God bless him

@themasterchiefproductions Жыл бұрын

I thank him for his service. God bless him.

@abrahamgn3614 Жыл бұрын

No he didn't bro, stfu and stop lying for likes

@davidguilbertrozenman5025 Жыл бұрын

Aachen was the capital of the Charlemagne Empire. The Holy Roman German Empire capital was Frankfurt probably but later its capital was Vienna, in Austria, when the Habsburg dinasty was always reelected.

@jasondouglas6755 2 жыл бұрын

You should make a video on the other American Stalingrad the battle of Manila. It was the only major urban battle of the Pacific war and it was very interesting seeing the fight happening in a very American looking city.

@dr.woozie7500 2 жыл бұрын

Manila pre-1945 was mostly Spanish architecture not American, given that they had been in control for over 300 years.

@madzbenito878 2 жыл бұрын

This is brutal battle. Japanese bayonetted babies, raped women of different nationalities, Sliced their breasts off, beheaded men etc. Such a barbaric batttle. All those desperation because Japanese knew they lost the Battle of Manila.

@alexalaniz5176 2 жыл бұрын

2nd this

@ComradeCommissarYuri 2 жыл бұрын

Wasn’t that the place where was it Japanese high command didn’t want as a battlefield.. But junior officers rebelled and fought there?

@jasondouglas6755 2 жыл бұрын

@@ComradeCommissarYuri correct

@Metalbirne 2 жыл бұрын

I was born in aachen and I know the stories my now dead grandma told me about the siege of aachen. She told me that one time allied bombers flew over the city and didn't drop bombs but flyers. She said the message on the flyers read "Aachen im Loch, wir kriegen dich doch!" which translates (trying to keep to rhyme) to "Aachen in the hole, we will swallow you whole!". Very strange feeling I had while watching the video because I know every city and location named in it personally.

@arceuskiller6652 2 жыл бұрын

Also a local here, gives quite the shivers right?

@Metalbirne 2 жыл бұрын

@@arceuskiller6652 It's very strange to hear about locations I know since childhood in such a surreal brutal context of war. I walk past Rothe Erde every day of my life to get to work for example. All I have ever known is peace and to think that massive bloodshed happened exactly where I walk and that there are still people living today that lived through that and have seen it is just unreal.

@arceuskiller6652 2 жыл бұрын

@@Metalbirne if you interested, there are many relatively ok videos showing eschweiler, stolberg and Aachen ec shot by the us army. Its very interesting too see everything back then like an factory in Stolberg that got massively bombed as most of the town was shred to pieces. However fascinating is that the raw building still stands today, without an roof obviously only on some parts but must of it is open air now and the ground is just flatley paved. I guess the destroyed ground was just paved up after the war and then nobody seemed to care about it. It was a steel factory if iam right

@Metalbirne 2 жыл бұрын

@@arceuskiller6652 Current events supply enough actual war footage for me I'm afraid.

@Mr_M_History 2 жыл бұрын

You have no idea how much guys like us look up to the Armchair Historian, absolute king!

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

I do a lot, 1) for his vids 2) for his game

@Alpha_Sodom 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah

@PakBallandSami 2 жыл бұрын

Love you pal

@tai-yomaruno3680 2 жыл бұрын

Yep!

@picklesargent2477 2 жыл бұрын

He pro

@quincyantares6103 2 жыл бұрын

Fun Fact : The Germans never considered Battle of Aachen "The Stalingrad In the West". That Distinction Belongs to the Battle of Falaise Gap during Normandy Campaign when when 80,000-100,000 German Troops Captured during Encirclement in The Falaise Gap prompting the surviving German troops and the Generals called the disaster "The Stalingrad in the West".

@frentz7 2 жыл бұрын

yea of course not .. nobody would ever call it that

@MrGrim2u1987 2 жыл бұрын

Fun fact he is talking about the Americans, not Germans, did you read the title ?

@frentz7 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrGrim2u1987 you think the Americans were calling it "The Stalingrad In the West" ?

@frentz7 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrGrim2u1987 I think it's a kind of clickbait. Not the worst clickbait, Armchair Historian always does a great job

@kousand9917 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think they called it the American stalingrad but you got to admit the similarities between the two.

@danielnavarro537 2 жыл бұрын

Another "Stalingrad" is the Canadian involvement in the Battle of Ortona. This was fought in December of 1943 and showed the Canadians how brutal the Italian Campaign would be.

@silverletter4551 2 жыл бұрын

Why did Canada go all that way to kill Italians? Did Italy bomb their country? What was their business there?

@danielnavarro537 2 жыл бұрын

@@silverletter4551 Well, the Canadians were part of the Allied force who invaded Italy in September 1943. Italy at the time was part of the Axis alliance. Then on September 8th, 1943, the Italians surrender but the Germans occupied the Italian peninsula and the Germans established series of defensive lines that ran through Italy. Go and search up the Italian Campaign.

@itsblitz4437 2 жыл бұрын

@@danielnavarro537 I think the Armchair Historian mentioned Canada 🇨🇦 during The Invasion of Italy video.

@thediaz07 2 жыл бұрын

@@danielnavarro537 yes. It was brutal.

@Dinalynnz Жыл бұрын

Is "a Stalingrad" just an urban battle for you?

@supercraftemperor 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who lives near Aachen and visits it often (I live in Heerlen, The Netherlands), it's sad to hear that a lot of the city has been shelled. Though the Dom still stands and is incredibly interesting with it's history of the city and Charlemagne. Oh and if you're nearby at christmas, don't forget to visit the christmas market. It's a load of fun!

@adrianscorch 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I are looking for vacation spots. This might be it.

@supercraftemperor 2 жыл бұрын

@@adrianscorch It's definitly worth the visit. It's history and german culture combined.

@Jonathan-js3vi 2 жыл бұрын

I mean, I was wanting to sleep, but as an Öcher myself I kinda have to watch this video now ^^

@michaelritzen8138 2 жыл бұрын

Another Heerlenaar! It is cool to see someone making content about something major that happened near us, as this area of the Netherlands doesn't get that much love.

@supercraftemperor 2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelritzen8138 Yeah, personally it makes I think it makes it more interesting than it already it.

@gunsbeersmemes 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best movie quotes, to describe German fanaticism, is from Saving Private Ryan. "They just...didn't want to give up those 88s"

@sthrich635 2 жыл бұрын

That is because by that time, the strength discrepancy between German and Allies forces were such that the biggest obstacles the Allies faced were often terrains, logistics or their own policies rather than the German soldiers himself. Tactically, well-built cities like Aachen were basically free fortress the German defenders desperately needed. The German high command, especially Hitler, no doubt realized this and exploit this whenever possible, knowing that narrow streets lined with shelled out blocks were the only chance a platoon of untrained Volkssturm with Panzerfaust and MG could hold out a M4 Sherman tank column for a whole day. Sure those German garrison would ended up being encircled like it did in Aachen, but when you are pitting horse-drawn/on foot German divisions against fully-motorized Allied forces moving several times faster, it was less of a question of would the Germans get encircled and more of how much bloodbath can the Allies takes in every encirclement.

@gratefulguy4130 Жыл бұрын

Well, they were fighting for their existince as a people at that point. There had been a concerted effort since at least the 1860s to completely destroy them and their ability to ever organize again. They knew that the cost of them losing since the end of WWI would be at least the situation that exists today. That drove them to a great deal of highly desperate decisions.

@ball3677 Жыл бұрын

That scene was depressing because right before that he was talking about the amount of casualties his unit took. A bunch of his men were dead, all because they needed to stop some 88's. The price of tactical objectives comes at the cost of lives and limbs.

@noahconnor1540 2 жыл бұрын

I’m always blown away at how well you construct your videos, people like you keep the love and interest of history alive. The history channel blows.

@TR-qs1qc 2 жыл бұрын

Sad fate for such a long established city. Such as history, time ,and current events... Thanks for your work.

@iche9373 2 жыл бұрын

Blame their chancellor

@randommapping2155 2 жыл бұрын

Aachen is basically entirely rebuilt nowadays. Still sad!

@misterplayer7250 2 жыл бұрын

@@iche9373 Or the Allies to humiliate Germany after WW1, without this dumb bullshit, all this will never be happend

@simpsbelongtothegulags3702 Жыл бұрын

@@iche9373 yeah its the chancellor who bombed the city

@iche9373 Жыл бұрын

@@simpsbelongtothegulags3702 The Chancellor did the war

@ElBandito 2 жыл бұрын

Battle of Hürtgen Forest was also a nightmare. It really Hürt the Allies.

@NefariousKoel 2 жыл бұрын

'When Trumpets Fade' is a great war movie, set in Hurtgen, which never got a lot of attention. Very grim. Made for HBO in the 90s, and still available for streaming there.

@destroyerarmor2846 2 жыл бұрын

@@NefariousKoel very sad movie

@rafaelalexie2417 2 жыл бұрын

I love you! :))))))

@mrswishadank2329 2 жыл бұрын

@@NefariousKoel that’s a good movie

@lyndoncmp5751 2 жыл бұрын

Eisenhowers broad front strategy was a complete failure. He should have gone with Montgomerys concentrated northern thrust instead.

@johnnybadboy3475 2 жыл бұрын

4:49 Wow, you really nailed the Aachen skyline! You could've just thrown in a stock picture of a German city, but you drew Aachen! I love the detail!

@conserva-chan2735 2 жыл бұрын

Please do a video on the Portuguese Colonial War. It is a very important and very underappreciated event that changed Africa forever.

@thesalamanders8740 Жыл бұрын

How much did it change? I understand the influence fight between the USSR and the US, but to your knowledge how did this affect the larger continent of Africa besides the Portuguese ex-colonies

@conserva-chan2735 Жыл бұрын

@@thesalamanders8740 it led to Rhodesia, collapsing, Namibian Independence and the end of South African Apartheid being inevitable, ehile it led to a civil war in Angola and Mozambique that would be one of the last major theatres of the cold war. It also was a major factor in the destabilization of the Congo. Basically, it shifted the balance of power in central and southern Africa immensely to where its ramifications are still felt.

@jasperdavis5517 Жыл бұрын

I did a student exchange in Aachen during highschool and it’s such a beautiful city it’s incredible how well many of the building held up. They’ve still got a bar from the 1500!

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

Man, I wish you uploaded more regurarly. But I know how long it takes to make. So keep up the good quality content, man!

@andylopez6145 2 жыл бұрын

Belgium

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

@@andylopez6145 ello mate

@whitewolfcrowley6550 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree...

@andylopez6145 2 жыл бұрын

are you actually Belgian?

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

@@andylopez6145 yes

@jorgmeyer267 2 жыл бұрын

I went to university in Aachen. On my way home i would regularly buy food for a homeless guy and chat with him. He told me one day, that he was the sole survivor of the execution of 8 boys of the Hitlerjugend by Waffen-SS. All not even in puberty at the time. The firing squad only wounded him and took off. Messed him up for life.

@Jarod-vg9wq Жыл бұрын

Why did they do it?

@jorgmeyer267 Жыл бұрын

@@Jarod-vg9wq They didn't want to fight, ran away and were caught.

@AGwest1 Жыл бұрын

@Dalton Pruden How insensitive. You disgust me.

@space4166 Жыл бұрын

@Dalton Pruden boo hoo

@fransbezuidenhout485 Жыл бұрын

@Dalton Pruden The difference between thus and the exction of amircans who ran away at d Day was simple The Germans where children while the Americans were adults

@Bl4ckm0nk 2 жыл бұрын

The scars of WW2 are still visibe in teh region here. Right next to the Aachen cathedral, a smaller church still has bullet holes in its pillars, both outside and inside the church. I am currently living in Aachen, near the cathedral, while my father was born in '39 and lived in Übach-Palenberg, so he had experienced the fights as a child. Also, I was super impressed by how good you pronounced the names of towns and cities. Most non-native german speakers really struggle with our pronounciation.

@howiehall4622 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, amazing story! I would love to visit the city someday. Very nice that your father survived. Tragic that he had to experience war as a child. And Griff does do a great job of pronunciation. German is difficult to speak, I can't do it. Peace.

@Luke-rm3td 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Mr. Griffin, I spotted a small error around 10:58 where you said the elite '1st SS Panzer Division' however the clip states the '1st SS Panzer Corps' was deployed instead. Regardless thank you so much for this informative video! Appreciate your hard work to educate us about such interesting topics. Keep up the good work sir!

@snicker576 2 жыл бұрын

Jesus Christ, who cares or would even notice. Bizarre

@glhmedic 2 жыл бұрын

@@snicker576 it matters. Facts matter if you wanna be taken seriously.

@LordSluggo 2 жыл бұрын

@@snicker576 KZfaq history channels have long ago surpassed THC or any other pop history media. They need to maintain this high standard.

@snicker576 2 жыл бұрын

@@glhmedic You're insinuating that this incedibly well-produced, in-depth video can't be taken seriously because of a one word difference that basically means the same thing?

@skate1062 2 жыл бұрын

@@snicker576 facts matter ;)

@superyamky 2 жыл бұрын

General Gerad: can we spare this city to the Americans? So there would be no civilian casualties Hitler: that's a big no no

@vjbd2757 2 жыл бұрын

Meanwhile on the Pacific front Japanese Soldier: "Sir, this Intramuros walled city looks really good. Should we let the Americans have it? Japanese Officer: "Nah. They'll have to bomb every nook and cranny to defeat us."

@Wang_Ping 2 жыл бұрын

its better to die fighting and take as many of the enemy with you than it is live on as a coward

@superyamky 2 жыл бұрын

@@Wang_Ping if WWIII breaks out I would do the same

@misterplayer7250 2 жыл бұрын

@@strangelyukrainian7314 Lol these "partisans" was mostley controlled by the Soviets, like those in Stalingrad but ok

@space4166 Жыл бұрын

@@superyamky no you wont

@randommapping2155 2 жыл бұрын

I'm from Aachen (Stolberg), my great grandparents always used to tell me about bombs being dropped and that they had to hide in a little house with a basement in the woods.

@tng2057 2 жыл бұрын

The late autumn 44 war theatres at Alsace Lorraine, at the waterway leading to Antwerp, and at Germany west were arguably the most under reported parts of WW2 as they were neither dramatic nor glamorous. Allied sacrifice at these battles were very high. Even Patton was humiliated. Thanks for the coverage of some of these battles.

@sestrarsestror3417 2 жыл бұрын

I can only agree, thank you for covering this part of the war. The battles in Elsaß-Lothringen indeed tend to be more obscure, as well as those in western germany. Even most germans there nowadays only know about the bombing raids, and that only because we still have to deal with ~2 aerial bombs per week, that didn't explode correctly and instead planted themselves into the ground.

@thunderbird1921 2 жыл бұрын

The Allies really got overconfident after the liberation of Paris, honestly. Many were partying with the locals and thinking the Germans would be demolished within months. Then, they met the buzzsaw (in Italy as well). The second half of 1944 was an absolute bloodbath all over western Europe.

@lyndoncmp5751 2 жыл бұрын

Only Montgomerys Antwerp campaign suceeded out of those. The Hurtgen and Lorraine etc failed.

@JohnDoe-wt9ek 2 жыл бұрын

@@lyndoncmp5751 I'm surprised Monty even got to keep his job when Market Garden was the worst campaign and operation ever conceived in Military history, and indubitably failed due to terrible planning and an incredible failure of intelligence operatives for Market Garden...

@pop000690 10 ай бұрын

@lyndoncmp5751 I wouldn't say Lorraine failed. It just suffered from a Battle of the Bulge 2.0 known as Nordwind which eventually got dealt with by early 45 when Colmar got taken. Hurtgen on the other hand yes was a complete massacre, there's a reason it was known as "the American meat grinder".

@VikingVic76 Жыл бұрын

My grandfather was a mechanic and a wrecker driver for the Big Red One. He had some interesting stories about the French Farmers going to the American camps and giving up Nazis hiding in their Barns.

@nicholasgallo3599 2 жыл бұрын

Love how you made a historical reference from a picture of the GIs manning a browning 1919 machine gun in the streets of Aachen I’ve seen that photograph and like how you incorporated it into your video

@flailingelbows7073 2 жыл бұрын

Hope when more information comes out you’ll do a video on the Battle of Mariupol! Easily one of the bloodiest examples of modern urban combat of our time

@Auricthunder Жыл бұрын

@TheLapster lol, the Russian military is getting their asses kicked in Ukraine and Mariupol was no exception. It took them 2 months to secure it at high cost despite outnumbering the defenders. There’s nothing expert about it. The corruption, weakness, and unprofessionalism of the Russian military has been on full display.

@FlaviusBelisarius-ck6uv Жыл бұрын

@TheLapster Yes, they captured it expertly the same way Napoleon captured Moscow.

@joemamaobama6863 11 ай бұрын

Kid named bakhmut

@bragz81 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have been to this area for a “Staff Ride.” It was really educating to be on the ground in Rimburg, the West Wall, Übach-Palenberg, and Aachen. My unit holds the heraldry of the 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division.

@jacobjones4766 2 жыл бұрын

70% of the american men were replacements most of whome had only ever been given basic training. The american tankers were arriving to their new units without ever driving a car before let alone a tank. Their commanders or more trained units would have to teach them combat before missions

@boyscouts83712 2 жыл бұрын

And unforgently by the time of this battle for Aachen, the Allies were getting tired of the constant pushing after the bloody breakout from Normandy and the French Hedgerows. Also, all of the Allies' supplies replacements were stilling having to land in Normandy and then truck themselves to the front. The British attempt to take Antwerp backfired guess they secured the town, but the coastal areas to the northwest of it were still in German hands AND the port of Antwerp was absolutely trashed before the nazis hightailed it out of there so the whole situation was fucked up

@crazywarriorscatfan9061 2 жыл бұрын

Aachen is often forgotten. Thank you for bringing this horrific battle to light

@Peter_Capszyk 2 жыл бұрын

Which real-life isn't horrific?

@IronDragon-2143 2 жыл бұрын

Please make a video of the Last Stand of the Swiss Guard during the Sack of Rome in 1527. I would love to see this battle in a future video. Thanks Griff

@thefortemfortispandorian8333 2 жыл бұрын

In the heart of the holy see

@IronDragon-2143 2 жыл бұрын

@@thefortemfortispandorian8333 In the home of Christianity

@robertortiz-wilson1588 2 жыл бұрын

@@IronDragon-2143 the seat of power is in danger

@ismaelfleurine2620 2 жыл бұрын

THX AGAIN ARMCHAIR HISTORIAN AND TEAM MEMBERS

@mrleaf7195 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I've been waiting for someone to do this battle.

@LibertyTreeStudios 2 жыл бұрын

It's still shocking to me how well the very early COD: Finest Hour captured the gritty and hard fight in Aachen in the game. Nothing but darkness, rubble, hidden AI, and every other urban combat nightmare possible. Neat to see the story of bringing in an SPG was inspired by an actual event that happened during the battle.

@CodytheHun123 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. It makes me forgive how stupid hard those levels were.

@Conker117 2 жыл бұрын

great game. Im surprised theres not a lot of people i know in irl that know about it

@princeofpokemon2934 Жыл бұрын

Which COD game was that?

@CrossOfBayonne Жыл бұрын

@@princeofpokemon2934 COD Finest Hour and WW2

@princeofpokemon2934 Жыл бұрын

@@CrossOfBayonne thanks

@peppapig9987 2 жыл бұрын

I know a tiny bit about this battle, thanks for teaching me more! Your channel has inspired me to learn more history on my own!

@crilbusfumperdink3823 2 жыл бұрын

Incredible as always my younger cousins love your videos, they really help instill a love of history in them

@ninjalanternshark1508 2 жыл бұрын

Quality presentation as usual and very well played transition before the promotion at 2:20

@SynomDroni 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in one of the original so called 3 window houses. A narrow plot only allowing 2 window wide build. It used to be a tavern and brewery. Most of the adjacent buildings were after war. 5 min. From the cathedral this gem survived. I loved the house and it's atmosphere. Aachen is a loving city.

@robvoncken2565 2 жыл бұрын

I live pretty close to Aachen, its still a beatifull place. I remember my dad said they would go up on hill near ubach over Worms at night and watch Aachen get plastered. They were very merry about it

@thesovietcookie9283 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing video as always mate!

@bluedog843 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been waiting for you to cover this for so long. Let’s. Go.

@r3b0rn_mike117 2 жыл бұрын

You ought to do the Rhineland Campaign next ^^ animations and stories were spectacular as always!

@natethenoble909 2 жыл бұрын

America's Stalingrad: Aachen Manila 1945: Am I a joke to you?

@charlie8344 2 жыл бұрын

And also late 1944

@agentg11 2 жыл бұрын

In the European theater its still aachen

@agentg11 2 жыл бұрын

i agree but its not really talked about

@charlesplayzeverything4386 2 жыл бұрын

More Americans died and got wounded in Aachen than in Manila sooo

@jiggyjungs 4 ай бұрын

For someone who was admittedly ignorant to history - your channel has transformed my perception and worldview. Thankyou.

@oculusnpc3614 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome new video, thanks for the good work

@kaboon3489 2 жыл бұрын

I find the Stalingrad comparison really interesting, though, nothing can quite compare to it.

@RandomFurry07 9 ай бұрын

combat wise yes, destruction and casualties, not at all

@flbphotography2239 2 жыл бұрын

Love the video man. As always you and your production team are amazing. One of the few history channels on KZfaq who's videos I always look forward to. Very well crafted and put together.

@shealton_3919 2 жыл бұрын

Watched this channel for many years now never been better

@motorTranz 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these superb documentaries!

@atomicnut9591 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! For your tank videos, I think observing French Tanks vs German Tanks, (1940) would be unique and something that really needs more attention.

@Vincent98987 2 жыл бұрын

I agree

@jamesbednar8625 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!! While in US Army during early 1980s, was stationed in West Germany, Had the opportunity to travel through Aachen once. Beautiful city and it was still being rebuilt 40 years later. Anyway, "Call of Duty" has a Play Station 2 called "Call of Duty 2: Big Red One" where the game was focusing solely on the US 1st Infantry Division from their exploits in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Aachen, and onwards. When got to the Aachen campaign - WOW!!!! - that was brutal!! Had to escort that M12 howitser to the city center; had to do a lot of underground fighting, and plenty more - just what you were describing in this video.

@calmdownbeavis7039 2 жыл бұрын

God I miss that game. Haven't played it since I was a child

@JohnDoe-wt9ek 2 жыл бұрын

That wasn't CoD 2: Big Red One. That particular mission is from CoD: Finest Hour.

@calmdownbeavis7039 2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnDoe-wt9ek alright boys, we're taking Aachen today

@micheletirondola8902 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't seen a video by your channel in awhile. I'm very surprised by the quality. Great job

@EmporerAaron 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see your still uploading.

@roberth5767 2 жыл бұрын

I've been to Schloss Rimburg several times. I imagined the combat in the area because the terrain is very rugged.

@TheLeadSled Жыл бұрын

Most only know of the big battles like the Battle of the Bulge, or Stalingrad or Midway, but there was so many other battles that were just as vicious and deadly. Some that come to mind are Monte Cassino, Battle of Anzio, the entire fiasco known as Operation Market Garden, Battle of Crete (which was the death of the Fallschirmjäger) Battle of Luzon, so many.

@shotbypynn 2 жыл бұрын

Love seeing the videos , keep up the good work

@HistorySkills 2 жыл бұрын

Always look forward to new videos from you!

@user-vp8qq3ev7m 2 жыл бұрын

Im glad to see this battle be covered, you dont hear about it much these days

@shutup2751 2 жыл бұрын

kohima probably or dunkirk

@jacopoabbruscato9271 2 жыл бұрын

A city that stood for a thousand years, utterly flattened by artillery. It breaks my heart. But, for a stroke of luck, the Cathedral remained unscathed

@TheVideoNorm 2 жыл бұрын

Could they have just ringed the city and waited them out? Other "fortresses" held by the Germans were isolated and bypassed (like Japanese-held islands) and that architecture and history would still be with us. War sucks.

@cattysplat 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheVideoNorm You can't do that in modern warfare that could radio German forces inside the city to do a breakout attack once the bulk of forces have moved elsewhere. Americans would have to commit large numbers of forces to essentially hold a defensive ring around an entire city and siege any attack. As well as hold the front line and have reduced forces to progresses further into the heart of Germany.

@space4166 Жыл бұрын

What a stupid comment

@ijusthatenormiesihavenooth1164 Жыл бұрын

Nothing lasts longer than murrican freedom baby 🇺🇸🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🇮🇱❤

@christeankapp6549 Жыл бұрын

very accurate description and animation. Having studied in Aachen I even recognized places and monuments.

@blakewaller5416 2 жыл бұрын

These videos are truly amazing

@XxJENNEX03xX 2 жыл бұрын

Any chance you could do WWII from the perspective of Canada? They had some very hard fought battles where they were clearly outnumbered and groups like the Highlanders really put the fear of god into the Nazi’s. I’d love to see what you could dig up if you could find some time to dive into it. Keep up the awesome content!

@pop000690 10 ай бұрын

Agreed and do the same with Australia and New Zealand both with Europe, North Africa and the Pacific Theatre.

@Struwex Жыл бұрын

My grandma could see aachen burn when standing on her farm, she then visited in 1945 and everything was destroyed

@chef7543 2 жыл бұрын

Love your Videos. I actually live in Büsbach, a small part of Stolberg. I've heard about this battle, but never in such detail !

@christianbehm6030 Жыл бұрын

Love your work ! keep it up!

@ModernNCRph 2 жыл бұрын

Another great history vid. Hope you can also make a vid about the so-called Asian Stalingrad, which is the Battle of Manila of 1945. It only lasted for a month but the civilian casualties mounted to more than 100,000. Also, Manila became one of the most devastated capital city after the war, alongside Berlin and Warsaw.

@oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368 2 жыл бұрын

It'd be helpful if at the bottom of the screen you have little footnotes as to the sizes of each batallion, division, regiment, and army. They all change throughout history and each nation has different sizes. It might help to give better context as to the manpower involved in each fight.

@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347 2 жыл бұрын

I agree! It would be cool to see if they’re all intact or at which strength they still have

@DKendallProductions 2 жыл бұрын

very good explanation of a battle I had never heard of and very interesting analysis at the end

@ChristineCAlb1 2 жыл бұрын

Love your channel. WWII stories are always interesting.

@bdcollecter 2 жыл бұрын

It feels weird to be here this early!

@mrnotsosmartguy448 2 жыл бұрын

ikr XD

@Jarod-vg9wq 2 жыл бұрын

Please do a video on Canadian military exploits next, like the Canadian 100 days offensive, or Canadian battle to clear the lands a Rodin the waterways for Antwerp.

@globe7640 2 жыл бұрын

Always learn something new from these videos!

@ericcervantes9345 2 жыл бұрын

Just found this channel and this stuff is great👌 spent most my afternoon watching these videos.

@wilbertting9211 2 жыл бұрын

For a moment, I thought he would talk about the battle of Manila, Phillipines, but this is just as interesting. Nice work!

@wetwillyis_1881 2 жыл бұрын

Me too, that is what I consider our Stalingrad as well, but this video was great.

@vjbd2757 2 жыл бұрын

@@wetwillyis_1881 He already did one about Manila I believe.

@duckboiii4441 2 жыл бұрын

@@vjbd2757 where?

@spyke1219 2 жыл бұрын

The communication between German authorities from Aachen ended with the following radio dialogue October 21, 1944: 246th Volksgrenadier Division to Wilck: "Long live the defenders of Aachen." Colonel Wilck to the 246th Volksgrenadier Division: “We sign off with greetings to our comrades and our relatives.” 246th Volksgrenadier Division to Colonel Wilck: “Thanks and appreciation for your commitment and attitude. The detachment greets its comrades.” (I tried to translate it into english, there might still be mistakes in there though. English isn't my native language)

@trailmonster 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff...you all are doing great work.

@armoredhistory5811 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I’ve been waiting for this

@stevemc01 2 жыл бұрын

Totalekrieg (adj/noun) [TO-TA-LE-KRIEG] A war which no longer distinguishes military from civilian; everyone’s fighting. 5:36 Also, that’s called a “salient” in military terms; just thought I wanted to drop this here if anyone wanted to know.

@steven_003 2 жыл бұрын

*Totaler Krieg I also disagree with your definition. Total war describes a war incorporating all societal resources and industry for the sake of victory.

@stevemc01 2 жыл бұрын

@@steven_003 I just took a definition some veteran called "total war" to be, but yeah you're right.

@Peter_Capszyk 2 жыл бұрын

I would be glad to see you covering the battle of Manila 1944 aka: "Pacific Stalingrad" in similar way how you did with the battle of Achen in today's video. Great work👍

@charlie8344 2 жыл бұрын

The Philippines isn't in the Pacific though

@charlie8344 2 жыл бұрын

It's in South East Asia

@sensei2479 2 жыл бұрын

@@charlie8344 its in the pacific

@TheRealFocalors 2 жыл бұрын

@@charlie8344 its a pacific nation

@winchesterchua7600 2 жыл бұрын

1945 actually.

@blew9964 Жыл бұрын

These animations are such good quality

@LichsuhoathinhDrabattle Жыл бұрын

Great video, looking forward to your next videos❣❣

@mlembrant 2 жыл бұрын

I wish there was a videogame designed like this: 11:01 , smooth and easy to grasp, yet challenging difficulty.. kinda like.. yes, that game that was banned in many countries, "Panzer General". A smooth, easy to learn, difficult to master, turn-based strategy game with elements of nature included, as well as troop morale, equipment maintenance, ammunition etc.. :( i'd be a happy man :)

@pzg_kami6472 2 жыл бұрын

I wish a remake of Panzer General II would have been made. And No ,Panzerkorps is not a replacement for PG2 !

@thomasbarnes5703 Жыл бұрын

A well researched and detailed explanation of the Battle of Aachen!!

@oliversherman2414 2 жыл бұрын

I love your channel keep up the great stuff

@datowelie9066 Жыл бұрын

Wow. I am from Aachen and didn't know about this. About 11 of the inner city forts still stand and are used for cultural purposes. In the Woods around Aachen you can also still find a lot of the concrete tanktraps to this day.

@BigBoiBleu Жыл бұрын

America can never have a Stalingrad because they were never on homesoil, even if the battle went sort of the same way

@kaigomez7237 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video, you should do the Mexican Revolution next. Considering that most of your videos are European focused ones, it would definitely add more variety.

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

The thing is, they can't descide one day or another: we will make a mexican revolution video.

@kaigomez7237 2 жыл бұрын

@@That-Belgian-Guy You just got a new sub

@That-Belgian-Guy 2 жыл бұрын

thanks dude, I appreciate it!

@raketny_hvost 2 жыл бұрын

Well Chinese and Soviet operations without "meatwaves" and "tonns of zagradotryads" don't seem to be European -focused

@kaigomez7237 2 жыл бұрын

@@raketny_hvost I said mostly, and the soviet union is still European. It would be cool to see a history episode that takes place in central or south america, that aspect of history is rarely covered.

@robbiejoseph7519 2 жыл бұрын

Love these videos keep them up

@sleepyeet 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video as usual

@cascadianrangers728 Жыл бұрын

Grandpa was an airborne Ranger. He said Achen was the hardest fighting of the whole war. Said "It wasn't like Berlin, they really ment to fight"

@Ep1X__ 2 жыл бұрын

I'm actually from Stolberg, very close to Aachen, and your video has taught me way more about the history of Aachen during ww2 than school or anything else Thanks alot for your video, keep up the great work!

@Ep1X__ 2 жыл бұрын

There's actually some destroyed tanks not far from where I live, to be more accurate, an M47 Patton Tank and an M41 Walker Bulldog

@hiya_glyv5154 2 жыл бұрын

high quality content and animation as always :)

@hiya_glyv5154 2 жыл бұрын

one of da best channels

@johnnybadboy3475 2 жыл бұрын

This was an extremely interesting video!

@julianshepherd2038 2 жыл бұрын

Deaths Aachen 7,000 Stalingrad 1,100,000

@zersky495 2 жыл бұрын

Lmao incomparable

@bulldogsbob 2 жыл бұрын

I think the battle of Manila is more like the american Stalingrad.

@juicebox9465 2 жыл бұрын

Rod Serling of twilight zone fame fought in the battle of Manila.

@cjclark2002 2 жыл бұрын

Absolute meat grinder

@juicebox9465 2 жыл бұрын

@@cjclark2002 Serling's regiment had a casualty rate of up to 50%

@cyrosubod2317 2 жыл бұрын

It was terrible for the civilians 100k dead in just a small city

@loganirwin5022 2 жыл бұрын

Or monte cassino

@aburntman6678 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing like always

@diabetesbear69420 2 жыл бұрын

You never fail to entertain me wonderful videos!

@carterjames3937 2 жыл бұрын

I love this channel, the graphics and the info blend really well.

@statelyelms 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the video! Never knew about this battle and certainly wouldn't have known why a seemingly minor town made such a stand if I hadn't watched this. If I had any suggestions they'd be: - put a map of the general Allied advance with Aachen labeled near the start of the video, so we have a general idea of the situation and location - might want to look into finding new walking animations for your characters.. it kinda looks like they all have kyphosis with their hutched backs