Tsaritsyn Becomes Stalingrad: A Symbol of Rising Soviet Power
Soviet authorities renamed the city of Tsaritsyn to Stalingrad on April 10, 1925, honoring Stalin's role in defending the city during the Russian Civil War in 1918-1920. The name change was part of the broader personality cult Stalin was constructing even before achieving supreme power. Seventeen years later, the name became synonymous with the deadliest battle in human history. The Battle of Stalingrad lasted from August 1942 to February 1943, killing an estimated two million soldiers and civilians combined. After Stalin's death and Khrushchev's de-Stalinization campaign, the city was renamed Volgograd in 1961. Periodic campaigns to restore the Stalingrad name continue in Russia, particularly on the battle's anniversary.
April 10, 1925
101 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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