Unit 5 The U.S. in Europe

Preview What countries were neutral in 1942? What was the name of the invasion that the allies launched in North Africa?

The European Theatre

General Dwight D. Eisenhower Supreme Commander of Allied forces in Europe Planned invasions of both North Africa and Normandy

D-Day - June 6th, 1944 Objective was to begin the liberation of western Europe by invading Normandy, France 3 million British, American, and Canadian troops Nazi’s were tricked into believe the U.S. was invading Calais Three divisions parachuted behind enemy lines. Thousands more invaded from the sea.

D-Day map

Heroes of WWII The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black U.S. military pilots Won two distinguished unit citations for outstanding combat against the Luftwaffe Called “Red Tails” 442nd Regiment was an all Nisei regiment (Japanese- American) Most decorated Unit in U.S. history

Rebuilding Europe Negotiations The Yalta Conference (February 1945) Meeting between the “Big Three” discussing postwar Germany Stalin wanted to divide Germany into four occupied zones but Churchill strongly disagreed FDR acted as mediator Agreed on four temporary German zones, free elections in Poland, and the establishment of the United Nations

Response Imagine that you are one of these soldiers preparing to invade the shores of Normandy. You may or may not survive the coming invasion. You have five minutes to write a quick final letter to your family. Describe what it is like in the boat, the weather, how you are feeling, and anything else you would like to say in case you do not make it.