War in Europe
The First Turning Point D-Day Invasion (June 6, 1944)
World War II – European Theater Many important battles, but D-Day stands alone - June 6, 1944 “Operation Overlord” Largest amphibious assault in world history Allied Forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France
The Invasion Attacks by land Parachute/Glider -Airborne Divisions dropped soldiers behind enemy lines Disrupt enemy forces Capture strategic points Bridges
Life Expectancy of Pilots in Combat: Gliders Nicknamed "canvas coffins," the flimsy gliders had plywood floors and a steel tubing frame covered with a canvas skin. Life Expectancy of Pilots in Combat: Bomber Pilots...........1 hour, 46 minutes Fighter Pilots.......................19 minutes Glider Pilots........................17 seconds
The Invasion(cont’d) Attacks by sea Crossed English Channel to land on five beaches Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold, Juno 175,000 Allied troops attacking 10,000 Germans Allied Losses: 10,000 Axis Losses: 9,000
The Second Turning Point The Battle of the Bulge (December, 1944 – January, 1945)
The Battle of the Bulge Hitler reinforces the army with thousands of draftees Some as young as 15 years old December 1944 Germany launches counterattack in Belgium and Luxembourg
General Dwight D. Eisenhower orders more troops General Patton moved the Third Army north to help Within 3 weeks-U.S. restarted Allied drive into Germany
Germans Lost 100,000 Summary of the Battle of the Bulge Largest Battle of World War II Takes Place in Belgium and Luxembourg 600,000 Troops involved 80, 000 Americans Killed, wounded, captured Germans Lost 100,000 Battle proved to Nazi leaders that the WAR WAS LOST!!!
Germany Surrenders Hitler commits suicide in Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945 Remaining German troops surrender May 8th
Decide to re-shape Germany Yalta Conference (Feb 4 – 11, 1945) Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin meet in: Yalta, Soviet Union Decide to re-shape Germany Stalin does not fulfill promises Basis for conflict between Soviet Union and Western Allies Beginning of Cold War