BELLWORK: September 14th How did geography impact fighting in North Africa? What was General Montgomery’s plan in El Alamein? What factors made this plan successful? THINKER: In your opinion, what was the biggest obstacle the Allies had to overcome in Normandy? How did they do this?

European Operations in WWII Allied Offensives  Axis Surrender

Invasion of North Africa Bernard Montgomery: British commander

El Alamein By 1942, Allies had enough resources to open a second front (Mediterranean) British ships sink 2/3 of German supply ships U.S. lands in Morocco and Algeria War of attrition = retreat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZshYwqSR4

North African Campaign May 1943: Axis surrender in North Africa Prevented German takeover of Egypt & Suez Canal Restored British confidence and prestige Provided a launching position for next target – Italy Nazi General, Erwin Rommel – “Desert Fox”

Fall of Italy (1943-1945) Southern offensive began in July 1943 Within six weeks, Allies gained Sicily and move up Italian peninsula Fascism fell from power Mussolini was overthrown In June 1944, Italy surrendered! Germany is left to fight alone in Europe

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Mussolini’s Death Italian government wanted to punish Mussolini for war crimes Tried to escape to Switzerland (4/1945) He was caught by soldiers and executed the next day Shot by firing squad, body hung in city where civilians beat, kicked, spat, and stoned his dead body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw4noLIFgGQ

D-Day June 6, 1944 Largest combined land-sea-air battle in history Allied forces landed on Normandy Beach (France) and pushed the Germans back Turning point of WWII on Western Front THINKER: In your opinion, what was the biggest obstacle the Allies had to overcome in Normandy? How did they do this?

Dwight D. Eisenhower: General of Allied troops for the Normandy invasion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDZs442oqxA

Battle of the Bulge December 1944 – Jan 1945 Germany’s last offensive attack Invaded Belgium and created a “bulge” in Allied defense lines Largest American death toll Germans lost and were pushed back

HOMEWORK: DUE FRIDAY! After the Battle of the Bulge, it’s a direct push into Germany! Read about the “Road to Berlin” and “The Battle of the Atlantic” on pages 182-184 Take separate notes on: Allies push into Berlin Strategies used at Sea Outcome of Battle of Atlantic Naval technology For tomorrow  Meet in lab #2. You will conduct independent research on weapon technology used in WWII. Make this count! HUGE aspect of EA2! This is due Monday.

Saving Private Ryan 1998 film Follows Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) & 7 soldiers trying to find Private Ryan. Ryan is last surviving brother out of 4 Other 3 brothers died in battle within days of each other 4th son is MIA so General orders Ryan be found and sent home immediately. As you watch, pay attention to the conditions the Allied soldiers faced in battle. Be ready to discuss!