1. WWII – The Battles Begin

2. Between 1939 and 1941, Germany is able to take over many European countries using a military tactic called Blitzkrieg. Blitzkrieg: “Lightning War” Tanks, bomber planes, troops & artillery. Tanks would “punch holes” in the lines of the defences Bomber planes would fight from above Troops and artilleries would follow quickly behind the tanks Aerial bombardment and ground troops prevented Allies from re-supplying their own forces and would close in to seal the holes in the front line. Animation

3. Miracle at Dunkirk After taking over many countries in Europe, Germany invades France Britain sent in troops to help defend France Both France and Britain were not prepared for the speed of the Blitzkrieg The German army forced the allies back to the French city of Dunkirk where they remained trapped. During the delay of Germany planning their final attack, the British set out a call for help Nearly 900 ships came across the English Channel Between May 27 and June 4 over 300,000 soldiers were evacuated to England from Dunkirk. It was expected that only 10,000 would have survived.

7. The Miracle at Dunkirk

8. The Battle of Britain July 1940 – October 1940 Luftwaffe: German Air Force RAF – British Royal Air Force Hitler ordered an air attack on British ships in the English Channel signaling the start of the Battle of Britain. Hitler’s plan was to destroy Britain’s fighter planes, factories and the morale of the people

9. At first Luftwaffe was extremely successful by knocking out airfields and supply factories (RAF) despite being badly outnumbered held it’s ground. After thousands of British civilians and fighter pilots were killed the Luftwaffe backs down and the battle is considered an Allied victory. Canadian fighter planes helped the RAF Note: Review your notes from the Battle of Britain video!

10. Lost Evidence: Battle of Britain

11. Canadians at Hong Kong, 1941

12. Japan – Part of the Axis Powers Leader: Emperor Hirohito Japan wants to take over Asia for power and natural resources December 7, 1941 Japan launches surprise attack on Pearl Harbor (American naval base in Hawaii). Japanese had to eliminate the American Pacific fleet to continue its own expansion without any extra obstacles

14. U.S used the attack to declare war against the Axis Powers A few hours after the attack of Pearl Harbor, Japanese invade Hong Kong (a colony of Britain). Britain and Canada had troops set up in Hong Kong for defence. Compared to Japan’s huge artillery and airplanes, the British and Canadian defenders was made up of a small number of troops, nurses and civilians had little chance of victory. Just over 2 weeks of ferocious fighting, the defenders surrendered on Christmas day. 290 Canadians killed. Survivors were sent to prison camps and used for slave labour in coal and iron mines. Ate only rice, were beaten, tortured and killed.