1. Germany Attacks the Soviet Union

2. Hitler breaks the non-aggression pact
Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941 and swept through the country.
The Germans had superior weapons and inflicted heavy casualties on the Soviets.
The greatest tank battles of the war were fought on the Eastern front.
1,2

4. Soviets Turn the Tide
The German advance is eventually stopped at the cities of Moscow and Stalingrad.
There, the harsh Russian winter sets in.
Temperatures reach -40 below zero.
German tanks and weapons break down and the Soviets drive them back. 3

5. American aid
The United States, still unwilling to enter the war, helped support the Allies through the “Lend-Lease Act”.
Under this act the U.S. sent $50 billion in aid to the Allies.
Roosevelt declared “we will be the arsenal of democracy”.
4,5