1. The European Theater of WWII
“Defeat Hitler First” Strategy

2. Difficulties in Europe: Moving Supplies
Took 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

3. 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

4. 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

7. Saving Private Ryan Omaha Beach Scene

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. Dachau
"work sets you free"

13. Buchenwald- Elie Wiesel

17. Auschwitz