1. WWII Battles Essential Question: What were the key events in Europe and North Africa during WWII? Battle of the Atlantic Stalingrad North Africa/Italy Campaign D-Day Battle of the Bulge

2. Battle of the Atlantic At first, German U-Boats dominated the Atlantic U.S. still able to ship to Europe, but with heavy losses The increased production of ships, the convoy system, radar, and breaking of Germany’s code system helped turn the tide

3. War in the Soviet Union Hitler breaks Nonaggression Pact and invades Soviet Union The German military overtook the western portion of the Soviet Union quickly Germans attack Stalingrad in spring of 1942 Turning point on eastern front

4. North Africa/Italian Campaign Need access to oil in Middle East Italians (and eventually German forces) in Libya beaten back by British How can U.S. contribute? Nazi coastal defenses in Europe too strong Attack “soft underbelly” Work up towards Europe through Italy Successful in defeating Italy – only 2 Axis Powers left

5. D-Day (Operation Overlord) Normandy Beach The invasion of Europe by the Allies June 6 th, 1944 160,000 soldiers, 1,500 tanks, 5,300 ships, 12,000 aircraft Germans slow to respond Secure beach and then France

6. Battle of the Bulge Hitler uses his last remaining energy, resources, and troops to make a final counter-attack Pushes back the Allied lines creating a “Bulge” Ultimately, the offensive fails British and U.S. troops proceed to Berlin