AXIS AXIS ADVANCES

 Adolf Hitler’s Birthday  April 20, 1889  121 years old

 1.) Name and describe the event that boosts British morale.  2.) What is Germany’s new “type of warfare”?  3.) Explain the outcome of Operation Sea Lion.

SSeptember 1, 1939 – The Nazi- German forces storm into Poland. HHitler utilizes “BLITZKRIEG” LLightning War: German planes fly in to attack troops and civilians NNext, tanks quickly roll in. LLastly, troop transports move in to occupy. SStalin invades from the East. WWithin one month, Poland no longer exists.

 “Phony War”  French troops wait along with British troops behind the MAGINOT Line.  Quiet time during winter  War ‘EXPLODES’ in April  Hitler takes Norway and Denmark. Netherlands and Belgium are next.  Hitler has his sights set on crushing France

GGerman forces were pouring into France. TThe retreating British forces were trapped between the Nazi forces pushing east and the English Channel. BBritain sends all of its naval vessels, even fishing boats, to stage a rescue of its stranded troops. DDespite German air attacks on the beach of Dunkirk. 3300,000 are safely rescued give Brits a morale boost!!

 The forces of Germany had made it to Paris.  June 22, 1940 – Hitler avenges the loss of 1918 and has eliminated the pain of Versailles.  France must sign surrender documents. Northern France is now under German control.  Some “free French” set up a government in exile. Led by Charles de Gaulle.

 The use of Air power is paramount.  Luftwaffe – German air force  Armored tanks vastly improved from WWI.  Scientists helped to improved capabilities of weaponry.  Sonar used by submarines.  Radar used by airplane pilots.

 With France fallen, Britain is the next target and last democracy in West. Europe.  Prime Minister Winston Churchill will not give in.  “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be.”  Operation Sea Lion  Starting on August 12, 1940, German planes bomb southeast coast of England.  “The Blitz” is initiated.

 September 7, 1940  Planes bomb London for 57 straight nights (Sept. 7, 1940).  Much is destroyed and 15,000 lose their lives.  Citizens encouraged to go about daily routines. Parliament continued to meet.  The King and Queen stayed too.  British remain united together.  By June 1941, Operation Sea Lion was a failure.  Next Target: The Soviet Union

 June 1941, conquest of Soviet Union is Hitler’s goal.  Must defeat his rival Stalin.  New blitzkrieg with 3 million Germans pouring into USSR.  USSR lose 2.5 million soldiers in fighting. Burn factories, crops, ect.  Just like Napoleon, the “General winter” of 1941 will be Soviets best defense.

 2 and-a-half year battle for city.  Citizens starved and suffered.  “jellied meat” – boiled wallpaper  Over one million citizens die.  German forces are somewhat stopped.

 Lend-Lease Act – 1941  FDR says USA is, “the arsenal of Democracy.”  Atlantic Charter  August 1941 – Churchill and FDR meet to make plans.  “Destruction of Nazi tyranny.”  United States do not enter, but are ready to support.

 Japan wants to expand territorial control in Asia and Pacific. USA stands in the way.  No peace talks can be made.  General Tojo executes a “surprise attack” against the United States in Pacific.  U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor.

 “A DATE, WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY.”  Early in the morning, Japanese planes bombard American base.  Airplanes destroyed, 19 ships are demolished, and 2,400 will perish.  President Roosevelt asks to declare “WAR on JAPAN”.  As allies, Germany and Italy declare war against the United States (12/11/1941).

 1.) Name and describe the event that boosts British morale.  2.) What is Germany’s new “type of warfare”?  3.) Explain the outcome of Operation Sea Lion.