Battle of the Bulge

Time: December 16th 1944 Location: Ardennes Forest Fighters: Canadian, British, US vs. Germany

Purpose Hitler had convinced himself that the alliance between the allies in W. Europe was not strong Felt a major attack and defeat by Germany would break up the alliance Therefore, he ordered a massive attack against what were primarily American forces.

How it Got its Name Known as the Ardennes Offensive The initial attack by the Germans created a bulge in the Allied front line, making it more known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Was it a Good Idea? On paper, it was a seemingly absurd plan: – Germany had been in retreat since D-Day – Military was depleted of supplies and was facing the awesome might of the Allies.

The Beginning Began with a two hour bombardment of the Allies lines that was followed by a huge armored offensive The Germans experienced great success to start because – The Allies were surprised by the attack – Before the attack, English speaking German soldiers dressed in American uniforms went behind the lines of the Allies and spread misinformation, changed road signs, cut telephone lines. – Weather in Hitler’s favor: Low cloud and fog meant that the superior air force of the Allies could not be used Ground was hard enough for military vehicles to cross and this suited the armored attack Hitler envisioned

Town of Bastogne while Germany had it surrounded during Bulge

The Long Battle December 22nd, the weather started to clear, Allies’ air power began counter-attack against the Germans. The Germans had advanced 60 miles in two days but from December 18th on, they were in a position of stalemate. The fighting was ferocious. Weather was cold and rainy. Soldiers on the ground faced very difficult conditions. (Trench foot VERY common) By mid-January 1945, Germany REALLY lacked fuel, Germans had to make their way back to Germany on foot. – This was the unit that was responsible for the Malmédy Massacre.

The bodies of 81 American soldiers killed by Waffen SS troops, Dec. 17, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge near the Belgian town of Malmedy. (Photo credit: U.S. Army)

Outcome The Battle of the Bulge was the largest battle fought by the Americans in World War Two. – 600,000 American troops were involved in the battle – American casualties - 81,000 men – German casualties - 100,000 men Could the Germans have won the battle? – Almost Certainly NOT - one huge problem – NO FUEL – Any form of armored attack needed a constant supply of fuel – and Allied bombing of fuel plants in Germany meant that such supplies did not exist. – German Generals even believed this offensive was too ambitious

U.S. soldiers taking defensive positions in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge

Outcome: By Mid-January, German troops were withdrawing from the Ardennes Forest Significance: Last HUGE German offensive, showed the Germans were truly defeated.

History Mystery: Was the decision to drop the atomic bomb justified?

Victory in Europe · By April of 1945, American and Soviet troops were closing in on Berlin. German prisoners marching through a ruined city · Adolf Hitler committed suicide on April 30, and Germany officially surrendered on May 7.

Red army soldiers raising the Soviet flag on the roof of the German Parliament in Berlin, Germany.

Winston Churchill waves to crowds in Britain after broadcasting to the nation that the war with Germany had been won, May 8, 1945.

V-E Day Celebrations in New York City, May 8, 1945.

V-E Day celebrations, Bay Street, Toronto, Canada May 7, 1945

Now to the Pacific… The U.S. began a policy of island hopping, using islands as stepping-stones towards Japan. The two main goals of the U.S. in the Pacific were: I. to regain the Philippines. II. to invade Japan.

Battle of Leyte Gulf McArthur returns to the Philippines Japan wants to destroy entire US fleet – Oct 23, 1945 Japan risks almost entire fleet – 4 days of fighting result in destruction of Japanese navy Only left Japanese army and kamikaze pilots

Iwo Jima and Okinawa Japan still fighting to the bitter end – Huge loss of life – 6,800 Americans died at Iwo Jima – 12,000 Americans died at Okinawa – 100,000 Japanese troops at Okinawa

Defeat of Japan · The U.S. planned to invade Japan in 1945, though experts warned that the invasion could cost over a million casualties. Stalin, Truman and Churchill at the Potsdam Conference. · Upon learning about the atomic bomb, Pres. Truman sent the Japanese the Potsdam Declaration, warning them to surrender or face “prompt and utter destruction.”

· Unaware of the atomic bombs, the Japanese ignored the Potsdam Declaration.

· The Japanese continued to fight, oftentimes using kamikaze attacks against U.S. ships.

· On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing at least 70,000 people and destroying most of the city.

The aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima

· On August 9, the U.S. dropped another atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki, killing at least 70,000 people immediately Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 60,000 feet into the air

· On August 14, Japan officially surrendered ending World War II. This date became known as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day).

Crowds outside the White House celebrate the Japanese surrender and the end of World War II. August 1945

The Other Side…

History Mystery: Was the decision to drop the atomic bomb justified?