Beginning of WW II

Key players Allies- Britain, France, Russia and U.S. (Won’t join till 1941. Axis Powers- Germany, Italy, and Japan

September 1st 1939 Germany invades Poland Germany’s main strategy for war was known as Blitzkrieg- lightning war.

Germany invades France Germany invades France by going through Belgium. Within 2 weeks conquered most of France. Battle of Dunkirk- last battle for France. -Led to 300,000 French troops fleeing to Britain.

Battle of Britain Germany sends their air force known as the Luftwaffe over Britain. Britain was outnumbered 3 to 1. Royal Air Force will destroy 2,500 German planes and only lose 500. Winston Churchill-leader of Britain, celebrates win

Hitler’s Mistake After conquering most of the Europe Hitler decided to break his pact with Stalin June 22nd 1941- Hitler Invades Russia Sends over ½ of his army. Wanted to overtake Russia’s oilfield.

Battle of Stalingrad Russia’s stand against the Germans Bloodiest battle of the war Stalingrad stood in the way of the Oilfields Russia will deal a decisive blow to the Germans but lose 1,000,000 troops.

U.S. Joins the war Previously had only been selling war supplies to the Allies (Lend-Lease Act) December 7th 1941- Pearl Harbor is bombed by the Japanese. “A day which will live in infamy.” – FDR A huge blow to the pacific fleet.

Pacific War begins U.S. declares war on Japan and Germany Sends Aircraft carriers towards Japan First major battle over the island of Midway. U.S. will destroy 4 Japanese aircraft carriers and only lose 1.

North Africa Mainly tank engagements between Germany, Britain, and U.S. Lasts from June 1940-May 1943 German tank commander Erwin Rommel will win every battle until finally stopped by U.S. General Patton

Powerpoint Create a power point on one of the following people: Winston Churhill, Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, FDR, Benito Mussolini 6 slides- each slide needs a picture Title slide- name and person Early life- what did they do before the war? How did they impact the war What was their job during the war What is a famous quote from them? Also Why do you like this quote How did they die