The Eastern Front and the Mediterranean

Objective: Students will examine and summarize the various strategies used in the Mediterranean and eastern front during WWII and be measured through their Cornell notes, battle chart, QW, and exit slip.

Setting the Stage France Falls Britain is crippled Hitler decides to deal with Great Britain later

During the Battle of Great Britain North Africa During the Battle of Great Britain Italy attacks Egypt (under Great Britain’s control) Suez Canal was key to reaching oil fields in the Middle East Italy pushes in 60 miles and then gets swept back with 130,000 Italians soldiers imprisoned

1941 Hitler to the Rescue Hitler sent General Erwin Rommel to Africa Rommel is armed with a newly formed tank corps British forces in Africa are caught by surprise and is driven back A big loss for the Allies

Hitler continues with his “blitzkrieg” in the Balkans War in the Balkans Hitler continues with his “blitzkrieg” in the Balkans Planned on invading the Soviet Union, but needed bases closer to Russia Managed to gain influence in Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary Invaded Yugoslavia (fell in 11 days) and Greece (surrendered in 17 days)

Hitler invades the Soviet Union Balkans firmly in his control June 22, 1941 Hitler attacks Soviet Union Soviet Union had the biggest army (5 million men) ill equipped nor were they well trained Germans pushed in 500 miles As the Russians retreated, used scorched-earth policy German soldiers started to starve and the winter caught up to them

Tanks /weapons useless German soldiers had summer uniforms on No Retreat! Oil froze Tanks /weapons useless German soldiers had summer uniforms on Soviets were able to hold the line Cost Germany 500,000 soldiers