This short video tells the story of the Siege of Constantinople, a pivotal event in world history. This video begins with a voiceover introducing Constantinople – an ancient city perched on the edge of Europe’s borders. Then, it dives into details of the siege, focusing on the three key facts to know about this event. It tells how Mehmed the Conqueror started the siege on April 6th, 1453, how his huge Ottoman army outnumbered the defenders 3 to 1, and Constantine XI's death while defending the city. This video provides an overview of the siege while emphasizing the impact it had on Constantinople, and Mehmed the Conqueror's place in military history. #history #historyfacts #mehmedtheconqueror #constantinople #byzantine_empire ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLgxWGo0JK4

The Battle of Kursk, also known as the Kursk Offensive, was a major engagement between German and Soviet forces on the Eastern Front during World War II. Taking place in July 1943, it was the largest tank battle in history and marked a turning point in the war. After experiencing significant setbacks on the Eastern Front, German leader Adolf Hitler ordered an offensive against the Kursk salient, a bulge in the Soviet defense line near the city of Kursk, Russia. The Germans hoped to defeat the Soviets and reclaim lost territory, as well as win a decisive victory in the war. The Soviet Union, aware of the upcoming attack, built an extensive defensive network in the region, known as the Kursk Bulge. This consisted of thousands of miles of trenches, fortified positions, and anti-tank obstacles, making it difficult for the Germans to make any progress. Hitler's plan was to attack the Kursk salient from two directions – the north and south – with the ultimate goal of encircling and destroying the Soviet forces within. The northern attack, codenamed Operation Citadel, would be carried out by Army Group North under General Walter Model, while the southern attack, Operation Kutuzov, would be led by Army Group South under General Erich von Manstein. The Germans began their assault on July 5th, 1943, with a massive artillery barrage followed by waves of tanks and infantry. However, the initial German advance was met with heavy resistance from the Soviet defenders, who had been waiting for them. The Germans were also hampered by the difficult terrain, which slowed down their tanks and made them easy targets for the Soviet anti-tank guns. As the fighting intensified, both sides suffered heavy losses, but the Soviets managed to hold their ground and even launched counterattacks that pushed the Germans back. The Soviet Air Force also played a crucial role in the battle, providing support to their ground troops and engaging in deadly dogfights with the German Luftwaffe. In the south, the Germans were able to make some progress and even created a small breach in the Soviet defenses. However, they were unable to break through and encircle the Soviet forces, which was their main objective. Despite the fierce resistance from the Soviets, the German offensive continued for over a week. However, on July 12th, the Soviets launched a massive counterattack, employing their newly developed T-34 tanks and overwhelming the German defenses. This turned the tide of the battle in favor of the Soviets, and the Germans were forced to retreat. The Battle of Kursk ended on August 23rd, 1943, with a decisive Soviet victory. The Germans suffered over 200,000 casualties, while the Soviets lost around 750,000 soldiers. It was a major turning point in the war, as it effectively halted the German advance in the East. The Soviets were able to use their momentum from Kursk to push the Germans back and eventually defeat them in 1945. The Battle of Kursk also marked the end of Germany's offensive capabilities on the Eastern Front. The defeat at Kursk, combined with the Allied victories in North Africa and Italy, signaled the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. Today, the Battle of Kursk is remembered as a major example of the effectiveness of Soviet defensive tactics and their ability to repel the powerful German war machine. It is also recognized as a key turning point in World War II, leading to the eventual victory of the Allies and the defeat of Nazi Germany. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTeF3o6loHI