A million Soviet troops began the final assault on Berlin in 1945
The 1945 Battle of the Seelow Heights saw nearly one million Soviet soldiers launch a massive assault on the final defensive line protecting Berlin, signaling the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.
On April 16, 1945, the Red Army unleashed a colossal offensive at the Seelow Heights, the 'Gates to Berlin.' To disorient the defenders, Marshal Zhukov used 143 searchlights to blind German troops, though the light actually backfired by illuminating the attacking Soviets through the morning mist.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz