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1. 1
   Number 1: 4.5 - The Battle of Leipzig: A New Dawn

   With the battle over, peace reigns across Leipzig. However, the American occupation forces are confronted with a new set of challenges in the city. The dead must be buried, the destroyed buildings must be rebuilt, and if possible, Leipzig’s return to democracy must be achieved. But whatever challenges the people of Leipzig faced under the Americans, nothing can prepare them for the arrival of the Soviets… Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto Sources used for the series: German-language: Jürgen Möller, "Die letzte Schlacht–Leipzig 1945", Verlag Rockstuhl, 2014. Manfred v. Ungern-Sternberg, "Spaziergang nach Leipzig: Beitrag zur Leipziger Stadtgeschichte. Ein Bericht zum Kriegsende 1945. Erlebnisse eines Thomaners", Shaker Media GmbH, 2020. "Leipzig am Ende des Krieges" - Eine Ausstellung des Stadtarchivs Leipzig (PDF), 2005. Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Kriegsende vor 80 Jahren in Leipzig: Leserinnen und LVZ-Leser berichten von harten Zeiten". Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Leipzigs vergessener Bürgermeister". Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Wie der US-Stadtkommandant von Leipzig das Frühjahr 1945 erlebte". English-language: Karel Margry, "The battle for Leipzig", Issue 130 "After The Battle" magazine, Battle of Britain International Ltd, 2005. Michael E. Haskew, "Last Stand at Völkerschlachtdenkmal: The Battle of Leipzig, 1945", Warfare History Network, 2019.

   October 13, 2025·1h 6min
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2. 2
   Number 2: 4.4 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Last Stand

   American forces have captured most of Leipzig, but key strongholds throughout the city remain in German hands. For example, at the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a German garrison led by the fanatical Colonel Von Poncet refuses to surrender, leading to a tense stand-off with the Americans… Dates covered: 19th - 20th of April 1945. Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series. American assault plan for Leipzig/Phase lines overview. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto

   September 29, 2025·35min
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3. 3
   Number 3: 4.3 - The Battle of Leipzig: City Under Siege

   With Leipzig surrounded on all sides by American forces, the US 2nd Infantry Division and the 69th Infantry Division launch their assault on the city. In the face of such unrelenting American military strength, one of Leipzig’s leaders tries to surrender the city…with farcical results. Date covered: 18th of April 1945. Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series. American assault plan for Leipzig/Phase lines overview. Robert Capa’s “Last Man To Die” photo. More Battle of Leipzig photos from Robert Capa. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto

   September 22, 2025·56min
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4. 4
   Number 4: 4.2 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Americans Are Coming

   April 1945: American forces, led by US V Corps, advance across central Germany, seeking to crush the Third Reich once and for all. With Leipzig now clearly within the crosshairs of the Americans, the city's military and civil leadership panic over how exactly to defend Leipzig from the impending American attack… Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto

   September 15, 2025·45min
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5. 5
   Number 5: 4.1 - Welcome to the Battle of Leipzig

   An introduction to the Battle of Leipzig, including an overview of the importance of the city to the Third Reich’s war effort. In this episode I also outline the military situation facing the Americans in Germany in 1945 - and how that directly impacted the subsequent American decision to assault (and capture) Leipzig. Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series. Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Battle Of The Nations monument). If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: AP-Wirephoto

   September 08, 2025·44min
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