WWII BattlesEssential Question: What were the key events in Europe and North Africa during WWII?
Battle of the AtlanticStalingradNorth Africa/Italy CampaignD-DayBattle of the Bulge
Battle of the Atlantic• At first, German U-Boats
dominated the Atlantic• U.S. still able to ship to
Europe, but with heavy losses
• The increased production of ships, the convoy system, radar, and breaking of Germany’s code system helped turn the tide
War in the Soviet Union
• Hitler breaks Nonaggression Pact and invades Soviet Union
• The German military overtook the western portion of the Soviet Union quickly
• Germans attack Stalingrad in spring of 1942
• Turning point on eastern front
North Africa/Italian Campaign
• Need access to oil in Middle East• Italians forces in Libya beaten
back by British forces• How can U.S. contribute? • Nazi coastal defenses in Europe
too strong• Attack “soft underbelly”• Work up towards Europe
through Italy• Successful in defeating Italy –
only 2 Axis Powers left
D-Day (Operation Overlord)Normandy Beach
•The invasion of Europe by the Allies •June 6th, 1944 •160,000 soldiers, 1,500 tanks, 5,300 ships, 12,000 aircraft•Germans slow to respond•Secure beach and then France
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