WWII War in Europe and Africa

WAR BEGINS  Germany invades Poland, setting off war in Europe. The Soviet Union also invades Poland. Nazi-Soviet Pact signed between the Soviet Union and Germany.  Germany invades France and captures Paris.  Germany bombs London in the Battle of Britain. Britain is the only country that stands in the way of Hitler’s total domination of Western Europe.

 Great Britain is the first to use the Lend-Lease Act when the U.S. lends/leases war supplies and old naval warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean.  Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor. Germany declares war on the U.S. The U.S. declares war on Japan and Germany.

WAR IN AFRICA ► November 1942: The Axis forces, commanded by General Rommel, are turned back at El Alamein, Egypt. ► The Allies drive the Germans out of North Africa in May 1943.

WAR IN EUROPE  September 1941: Germans surround Leningrad and begin a siege that lasts for 900 days. Germans are unable to take the city.  Spring 1942: Germany launches an offensive toward Stalingrad, oil-rich lands in the Soviet Union. Soviet forces surrounded the city, cutting off the German supply line. Germany is forced to surrender Feb  Summer 1942: British and American air forces begin a massive bombing campaign.

 Summer of 1943: Allies take the island of Sicily. September, they take the Italian mainland. The Italians overthrow Benito Mussolini and surrender to the Allies.  June 6, 1944: Operation Overlord is launched on the French coast of Normandy. This day is known as D-Day. On August 25, French and American soldiers liberate Paris.

 December 16, 1944: Germans launch a last desperate offensive. Known as the Battle of the Bulge, the Germans drive troops deep into Allied lines creating a bulge. After several weeks and 75,000 casualties, the Allies drive the Germans back and end the last serious German resistance.  April 1945: Soviets surround Berlin, the German capital. Hitler commits suicide on April 30. Germany signs an unconditional surrender on May 7, ending the war in Europe. Allies declare May 8, “Victory in Europe” or V-E Day.