D-Day

Instead of a full attack on Japan, the u. s Instead of a full attack on Japan, the u.s. decided to concentrate on germany first…Why?

Axis vs. Allies The Axis Powers never had a coordinated strategy (Hitler = Europe/ Mussolini = East Africa/Tojo = Pacific) The Allies shared more unified goals (but didn’t trust one another) FDR and the Allies had a “Europe First” stategy

January 1942, Two countries decided to help defeat the Axis Powers… Late 1941, the Axis Powers pushed the Allies to their breaking point until… January 1942, Two countries decided to help defeat the Axis Powers…

Germans break the NonAggression pact (June 1941) Battle of Stalingrad Battle at Kursk - Fighting began Sept. 1942 - Soviet Union suffers one of its most harshest winters - As a result of the weather, German soldiers had depleted supplies and were forced to surrender by late Jan. 1943 Estimated 1.2-1.7 million die Occurred in the summer of 1943 Fierce battle fought mostly with tanks Soviets defeat Germany and as a result plans to take back German occupied France begin (D-Day)

Italian forces attacked the country of Egypt…Why? Suez Canal- Sept. 1940 Italian forces attacked the country of Egypt…Why? Suez Canal- Vital supply route controlled by the Allies

Rommel vs. Eisenhower Erwin Rommel: General Nickname was “The Desert Fox” In charge of Germany’s Afrika Korps Dwight Eisenhower: U.S. General Master of organization and planning. Led a successful campaign in Africa

Conflict in North Africa Battle of El Alamein Surrender of Rommel British General Bernard Montgomery stops Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korp from capturing the Suez Canal British and American forces land west of Egypt and then trap the Afrika Korp (led by Rommel), leading them to surrender.

Invading Italy After driving the Axis Powers from Africa, they now focused on Italy Allies first take the Italian island of Sicily Then began landing troops on the mainland (Sept. 1943) As the allies advanced into Italy, the Italian govt. overthrew Benito Mussolini in order to make peace Hitler sends German troops to try and take control of Italy, slowing the Allies advances.

D-Day Map

D-DAY invasion: jUNE 6TH, 1944 D-Day and the invasion points were guarded secrets. The purpose was to get troops on the ground in an attempt to liberate France. After Allied troops gained a foothold in Normandy, they were able to destroy much of the German occupation forces, liberate France and continue to march across Europe and ultimately destroy Germany. D-Day inspired many French citizens to rise up against the Germans.

D-day statistics D-day is known as the largest naval invasion ever. It included 7,000 vessels and 156,000 men. A full moon was needed for success: Why (2 reasons) If the allies did not invade on June 6th they would have had to wait an entire month to invade again. The invasion would include 5 divisions (beaches).

A full moon was needed…Why? 1. To allow the Allied pilots to see their drop off targets better 2. A high tide was needed to allow ships to come closer to the shore (protection of soldiers)

Sword Beach (British) 29,000 men landed 630 casualties

Juno Beach (Canadian) 21,000 men landed 1,200 casualties

Gold beach (British) 25,000 men landed 400 casualties

utAH Beach (United States) 20,000 men landed 300 casualties

Omaha Beach (United States) 34,000 men landed 2,400 casualties *Omaha Beach was the largest invasion and had the most casualties*

Normandy Landing: The D-Day Beaches