battle of the seelow heights ne demek?

The Battle of the Seelow Heights, also known as the Battle of Berlin, was a crucial military engagement that took place in April 1945 during World War II. It was a major offensive launched by the Soviet Union in an attempt to capture the German capital of Berlin.

The battle occurred on the Seelow Heights, which were located about 60 kilometers east of Berlin. The Heights were a key defensive position for the Germans as they provided a strategic advantage due to their high elevation and commanding view of the surrounding area. German forces heavily fortified the area, constructing trenches, bunkers, and minefields.

The Soviet offensive, led by Marshal Georgy Zhukov, began on April 16, 1945. The initial attack involved a massive artillery barrage, which was followed by a ground assault by Soviet infantry and armored units. The German defenders, under the command of General Gotthard Heinrici, put up a fierce resistance, inflicting heavy casualties on the Soviet forces.

Despite the strong German defenses, the Soviet troops managed to break through and capture the Seelow Heights after several days of intense fighting. This breakthrough paved the way for the final assault on Berlin. The battle was marked by brutal close-quarter combat, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

The Battle of the Seelow Heights was a turning point in the war, as it opened the path for the Soviet forces to enter Berlin. On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin, and the city surrendered to the Soviets on May 2, effectively ending German resistance and signaling the end of World War II in Europe.