The European Theater of WWII “Defeat Hitler First” Strategy

Difficulties in Europe: Moving Supplies Took 10-15 days for supply convoys to cross the Atlantic Along the way, they faced attacks from German submarines and aircraft The U.S. supplied and fed the other Allied Powers The farther inland troops moved, the harder it was to get supplies to them

The Invasion of Normandy: D-Day “Operation Overlord” Began on June 6, 1944 Lasted from June to August Largest amphibious landing in history Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in Nazi-controlled France Began the Allied advance to reclaim Europe from Germany

D-Day Effects Over 425,000 soldiers from both sides killed, wounded, or M.I.A. 209,000 Allied 125,847 American ~200,000 German + ~200,000 P.O.W.s Marked the beginning of victory for the Allies in Europe

Saving Private Ryan Omaha Beach Scene

The Battle of Berlin One of the final battles of the European theater Soviet Army reached the city before the other Allied powers The Soviets lost 81,116 men The Germans lost 458,080 men The Soviets succeeded in taking the city The battle was one of the bloodiest in history

In Berlin during the battle Hitler’s Final Days In Berlin during the battle before it ended with Soviet occupation, he and many of his followers committed suicide

Formal surrender of Germany V-E Day May 8, 1945 Victory in Europe day Formal surrender of Germany

Systematic murder of over 11 million people across Europe The Holocaust Systematic murder of over 11 million people across Europe Included Jews, prisoners of war, homosexuals, and those with mental and physical disabilities https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/the-holocaust/videos/auschwitz?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false

Dachau "work sets you free"

Buchenwald- Elie Wiesel

Auschwitz