J. What were Germany’s gains during the early years of the war? World War II W.47 Identify and locate the Allied and Axis powers and explain the major battles of the Pacific and European theaters of war including the blitzkrieg, Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Normandy, Midway, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, and island hopping. W.46 Explain the role of appeasement, isolationism, and the domestic distractions in Europe and the United States prior to the outbreak of World War II. I. Identify blitzkrieg. J. What were Germany’s gains during the early years of the war? K. What was the United States’ stance on the war during the early years?

G. Identify blitzkrieg. Blitzkrieg: “lightning war”, the German use of armored panzer tank divisions supported by Luftwaffe (air force). Each division included about 300 tanks. The idea of blitzkrieg was to rapidly break through an enemies front line and then encircle and attack them from different fronts. Blitzkrieg made it difficult for enemies to mobilize and prepare for defense.

P. 532 - Austria, Czechoslovakia H. What were Germany’s gains and losses during the early years of the war? P. 532 - Austria, Czechoslovakia Within four weeks, the German blitzkrieg had conquered Poland (Hitler initially divided Poland as he promised). Hitler waited for winter to pass, and then took control of Norway and Denmark. May 1940, Hitler begins blitzkrieg against the Netherlands and Belgium.

H. What were Germany’s gains during the early years of the war? Around the same time, the blitzkrieg took French and British troops by surprise in France. Anticipating a German attack, the French built a heavy artillery defense system along the border with Germany called the Maginot Line. Instead, the Germans went through Luxembourg and Belgium.

H. What were Germany’s gains and losses during the early years of the war? By going around the Maginot Line, the Germans split the Allied forces, trapping French troops and the entire British Army on the beaches of Dunkirk. The Battle of Dunkirk forced the French to sign an armistice on June 22, 1940. Three-fifths of France was now controlled by the Germans.

Assessment Describe blitzkrieg. List three countries that fell under Nazi control prior to France. What was the Maginot Line? Was it successful? Why/why not? Describe the first major battle between the Germans and the French/British? What was it called? What was the outcome? Describe isolationism and neutrality acts as they apply to the U.S. during WWII. Why did the U.S. policy of isolationism change as the war progressed?

I. What were Germany’s losses during the early years of the war. J I. What were Germany’s losses during the early years of the war? J. Describe the outcome of Hitler’s decision to invade the U.S.S.R.. W. 47 Identify and locate the Allied and Axis powers and explain the major battles of the Pacific and European theaters of war including the blitzkrieg, Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Normandy, Midway, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, and island hopping. W. 48 Analyze the major turning points of the war, key strategic decisions, and the resulting war conferences and political resolutions, with emphasis on the importance of geographic factors.

I. What were Germany’s losses during the early years of the war? Battle of Britain – In August 1940, Hitler began an aerial bombardment against the British, realizing it would be his only chance to take Britain by land and sea. Hitler used the Luftwaffe to attack British military bases, communication centers, and war factories. In response, Great Britain launched an offensive against Berlin.

I. What were Germany’s losses during the early years of the war? Upset, and looking for retaliation, Hitler ignored bombing British strategic sites, and began bombing British cities. In the meantime, the British were able to repair and rebuild their air strength. Soon after, the British air force began inflicting major losses on the Luftwaffe, forcing Hitler to postpone his invasion of Great Britain.

Assessment (Daily Assignment) Within your groups, discuss and answer the following questions: Why was control of the skies key to the Battle of Britain? Why did Hitler decide to bomb British cities rather than military targets? Why is the morale of citizens important during wartime? Was the morale of British citizens high during this period? Why? Was Hitler’s change in strategy successful? Did it lead to a different outcome than what has happened thus far in the war? Elaborate.

J. Describe the outcome of Hitler’s decision to invade the U.S.S.R.. Hitler had little desire for a two front war, but he felt that his best chance to defeat Great Britain was to eliminate the U.S.S.R. (Why?). Hitler also under estimated the strength of the Soviet Union’s military. Hitler initially sought to invade the U.S.S.R. in the spring of 1941, but was forced to wait until June 22, 1941 (Why?).

J. Describe the outcome of Hitler’s decision to invade the U.S.S.R.. After taking care of the Balkans, Hitler rushed to defeat the Soviets before winter. Map: Hitler’s advance (front) spread some 1,800 miles and reached within 40 miles of Moscow. An early winter and fierce Soviet resistance halted the German advance.

J. Describe the outcome of Hitler’s decision to invade the U.S.S.R.. Planning for a quick victory, the Germans had not planned for winter battle. For the first time in WWII, German infantry had been defeated in battle. The Soviets launched a counterattack, forcing the Germans back. 1941 ended ominously for the Germans.

Assessment (Quiz) Describe the outcome of the Battle of Britain. Describe Hitler’s major mistake during the Battle of Britain? What assumptions did Hitler make about the Soviet Union? Would the invasion went differently if those assumptions were not made? Elaborate. What delayed the German invasion of the Soviet Union? Describe why this delay proved costly to the Germans.