WWII Battles

1939-1944 Non-Aggression Pact

Molotov-Ribbentrop pact signed in August 1939

Public: Hitler and Stalin promised not to attack each other

Secret: Agreed to split Poland between them Operation: Himmler

September 1, 1939: “Polish” units attack German radio station/border positions

Germany invades Poland in “self-defense”

Two weeks later Soviet Army invades Poland from the East and Poland surrenders

"I shall give a propaganda reason for starting the war. The victor will not be asked whether he told the truth." - Blitzkrieg battle German strategy Coordinated Tanks, by attacks Stuka and , bombers Dive Blitzkrieg

SUPPLIES Poland Split

Germany took Western Poland and the USSR took Eastern Poland

England and declare war on Germany

Invasion of France In May 1940, Hitler initiated “Case Yellow,” an invasion of Belgium, and the Netherlands, ending the “phony war” and catching the Allies by surprise

By the end of May, France fell to the Blitzkrieg onslaught as the German army out-flanked the Maginot Line during “Case Red,” the invasion of France

The Allied Army was forced to withdraw to England at the Miracle of Dunkirk

Tripartite Pact signed b/w Germany, , and Japan

Battle of Britain Operation Sea Lion: – Planned German invasion of England – Required to destroy the (RAF)

“”: - 8 Month campaign by the Luftwaffe to destroy the RAF

- Due to Lend-Lease Act , Britain is able to keep putting planes in the air

- Hitler abandoned plans for invasion of Britain Operation: Barbarossa

In June, 1941, Blitzkrieg struck East into Poland, and then into USSR

Hitler wanted access to resources (oil) and isolation of England

Stalin mobilized the entire population OIL outside the capital to bring the invasion to a halt during the winter of 1941-42 “Tora, Tora, Tora”

Dec. 7, 1941

Surprise attack on US naval base in Hawaii by 6 Japanese Carriers

Japanese planes dropped bombs and torpedoes crippling 6 of 8 battleships in US Pacific Fleet

On Dec 8, FDR asks Congress for a declaration of war on Japan World War II: Turning Points

Battle of Midway Operation: Torch D-Day VE Day Battle of Midway

Pivot Point in Pacific June 1942

After this Carrier battle, initiative shifted to Allies

US Navy and Marines begin “Island Hopping ” through Pacific – US forces bypass heavily fortified positions – concentrate on strategically important islands capable of supporting the drive to the Japanese “Home Islands” In 1941 Hitler’s armies Operation: Torch were engaged on the Eastern Front against the USSR

Stalin begged for the Allies to open a 2nd front to provide some relief

Allied planners orchestrated an invasion of Europe through North Africa and Italy in 1942

Rommel Allied forces trap Rommel in Tunisia and force his troops to “Monty” D-Day June 6, 1944 Allies invade , France led by General Dwight Eisenhower

101 st and 82 nd Airborne troops parachuted into France behind enemy lines to capture bridges and other strategic spots

Allies launch a cross-channel invasion concentrating on the Normandy coastline

Largest invasion in human history involving over 3 million troops “Battle of the Bulge” 2nd front causes Hitler’s forces in East to be driven back into Germany

Hitler’s Last Offensive: Battle of the Bulge

New weapons brought to fore: V2 Rockets Jet Airplanes

In April 1945, Soviet troops enter Berlin VE Day

On April 27, Hitler married long-time mistress Eva Braun in the Führerbunker and then committed suicide with her 2 days later

V-E Day: Hitler’s suicide caused Germany’s military to collapse

Fighting in Europe ended on May 7, 1945 when Hitler’s successor, Karl Donitz, surrendered unconditionally