The Invasion of Normandy Hitler built coastal defenses, called the Atlantic Wall, to stop an attack of Europe. By 1944, the Americans, British, and other Allies were ready to attack. To be successful, they had to find the weakest point in the German defenses to land.

German Defenses were heaviest where the Channel was the most narrow, at Calais.

Why Normandy? Germans didn’t expect it, so not as fortified.

Disadvantages of Normandy Distance: 90 miles No natural harbor for supplies. Geography (Bocage) Cliffs Weather

The Landings Paratroopers and Gliders landed behind the lines. Five Beaches, nicknamed Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold, and Sword. Omaha would be the bloodiest. Point du Hoc was taken by American Rangers. Hitler never released the tanks.

Pont du Hoc German artillery shelled. Rangers scaled the cliffs. Germans fled as they got shelled.

The Beaches Soldiers had to go 13 miles in Higgins Boats. These were flat boats that were unstable and made for easy targets by the Germans.

Mulberry Harbors Two artificial harbors were towed from England. Old ships were sank for the break wall.

The Toll 9000 Allied casualties, with at least 3000 dead on the first day alone. 10,000 died the first week. The Germans suffered equal casualties.

The Breakout It took 3 months to break out into France. The War would be over in Europe in 10 months.