World War II Major Battles Passages

DIFFERENTIATED PASSAGES

BUILDING READING SKILLS WITH ENGAGING TOPICS

A Resource by Teaching is the Sweetest Thing

DEAR TEACHER:

Thanks so much for checking out this resource! I am excited to share it with you. This free sample shows you a snippet of what my differentiated passage sets are like. However, please note that this free sample does not include a set of lesson plans, teacher’s guide for use, or Common Core questions and answer keys. ALL of the other passage sets in my store do include these features. I have several freebies that also include these features - you can check them out HERE.

For ideas on how to best use this resource, be sure to check out my World War II Unit Plan by clicking HERE!

I hope you enjoy using this resource!

How to use this passage set: •Teach close reading skills •During guided reading groups •During content area instruction •Homework or classwork assignment MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Table of Contents

Teacher’s Guide to Getting Started About the Passages: Guide to the Layout 3 About the Passages: Guide to the Passage Levels 4

Differentiated Passages Battle of Britain 5-9 Battle of Midway 10-14 Battle of Stalingrad 15-19 Operation Torch 20-24 Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or “Operation Overlord”) 25-29 Battle of the Bulge 30-34 Battle of Iwo Jima 35-39 Battle of Okinawa 40-44 Hiroshima and Nagasaki 45-49

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing 2 ABOUT THE PASSAGES

Guide to the Layout AND READ ME! Unit Title The individual passage title is included below the unit title.

Level Indicator Shapes

Early Reader Text Developing Reader Text Fluent Reader Text Independent Reader Text Advanced Reader Text

*Word Count (passage titles not included)

NOTE TO TEACHERS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED PASSAGE SETS FROM ME First of all, THANK YOU! J Secondly, please do not to be thrown off by the “new” titles being used for each level as you see above. The reading levels represented by these level indicator shapes are the SAME! They just have new names J For example, if you have used “+” passages from previous sets you’ve purchased from me with your students, you can do the same now! “+” will still fit them!

Each passage is included on Level indicator shapes are located in the upper right- differentiated levels of hand corner of each passage. These shapes offer a difficulty. See the next page discreet way for the teacher to monitor which level for further information each passage is on without the student feeling labeled regarding these levels and as a below, on, or above grade level reader. The level how to match each student bands (i.e., ranges) are closely based on the new with the best-fitting passage. Common Core Reading bands.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing 3 ABOUT THE PASSAGES Guide to the Differentiated Passages AND BY GRADE LEVEL READ ME!

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING LEVELS As you will read later in this section, these passages were analyzed to fit the Common Core Standards Reading Levels. You may need to make adjustments to fit the needs of YOUR class. Meaning, your 3rd grade class of readers may not match up with the Common Core definition of a 3rd grade reader. The Common Core Standards set rigorous goals for each grade level, so please be aware of that. Please refer to the Common Core Standards Reading Levels (found in Figure 3 of the standards’ appendix and easily via Google search) for more specific information regarding levels. Or feel free to email me!

Students come into your classroom with a wide RANGE of reading levels. Each passage in this set comes in multiple LEVELS of difficulty so that you can meet EVERY child at his or her reading level with the SAME rich content. It is up to you to choose which level you assign each student to use. The following guidelines regarding each passage level will help you determine which passage is best for each student.

Each passage included in this set has been ANALYZED to fit readers based on the Common Core Standards Reading Levels. The passages are gradually differentiated into different reading levels. Each passage, regardless of the level, contains the same ESSENTIAL INFORMATION. Easier passages have simpler words and shorter sentences. More challenging passages have advanced vocabulary and more complex sentences.

If you know the specific reading levels of your students, use the Common Core Standards Reading Levels chart found in the Common Core Standards Appendix (Figure 3) to match students with appropriate text complexity. Email me if you have questions about how to do this [[email protected]].

Note: The passage levels are indicated by DISCREET SHAPES in the corner so that you know which level is which without your students knowing! The shapes are listed below with the corresponding reading level.

HOW TO READ THIS TABLE First, look at the far right column where grade levels are listed. Look at the row for the grade level you teach. For example, if you teach 3rd grade, look at the first row. Then, in order to decide which passages to give each individual student, use the column headers. For example, if you have a group of below grade level students in 3rd grade, you’ll see that you need to use the “+” level passages with these students. It is also recommended that you provide additional teacher support for these students, unless you do not feel it is necessary.

Below Grade Level On Grade Level Above Grade Level CORRELATIONS Student Student Student with teacher 3rd Grade support

4th Grade

5th Grade

6th & 7th Grade

8th Grade

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing 4 ©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

Germany successfully took over France. Then, Germany wanted to take over Great Britain. First, Germany’s Air Force had to beat the British Royal Air Force. The Germans bombed British airports, runways, and radar machines. They attacked nonstop. The Royal Air Force never stopped fighting back either. In September, Germany tried to attack London. However, they were not successful. Great Britain’s defense was too strong for the Germans.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

Germany tried to attack Great Britain after conquering France. However, the German Air Force first had to beat the British Royal Air Force. The Germans bombed several British airports, runways, and radar machines. Germany’s attacks were nonstop. The Royal Air Force never stopped fighting back, though. In September, Germany tried to attack London. However, Great Britain’s defense was too strong for the Germans.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

Germany began looking to attack Great Britain after conquering France. However, the German Air Force first had to beat the British Royal Air Force. Another name for the German Air Force was the Luftwaffe. The Germans launched a series of bombings on British airports, runways, and radar devices. Germany was relentless in its attacks. The Royal Air Force never ceased to fight back, though. In September, Germany launched a large but unsuccessful attack on London. Great Britain’s defense was too strong, though. They were able to hold off the Germans.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

After Germany successfully conquered France, it set its sights on Great Britain. However, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) needed to defeat the British Royal Air Force before the army could invade Great Britain. The Germans launched a series of bombings on British airports, runways, and radar devices. Germany was relentless in its attacks. The Royal Air Force never ceased to fight back, though. In September, Germany launched a large but unsuccessful attack on London. Ultimately, Great Britain’s defense was strong enough to withstand the German attacks.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

After Germany invaded and successfully conquered France, it set its sights on Great Britain. However, before the German Army could invade Great Britain, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) first needed to defeat the British Royal Air Force. The Germans attacked through a series of bombings on British airports, runways, and radar devices. Germany was relentless in its attacks. The Royal Air Force never ceased to fight back, though. In September, Germany launched a large but unsuccessful attack on London. Ultimately, Great Britain’s defense was strong enough to withstand the German attacks.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Britain

WHAT: Germany attacked Great Britain by air WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 10, 1940 and lasted until October 31, 1940

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

The Japanese Navy planned to attack Americans again six months after Pearl Harbor. Their goal was Midway Island. Luckily, American code breakers came to the rescue. They intercepted messages about the attack. The Americans were able to prepare for the Japanese strike. Japanese pilots attacked Midway on June 3rd. The Americans were ready. U.S. bombers sunk four Japanese ships very quickly. The Americans did a lot of damage to the Japanese Navy. Japan never recovered after the battle. The United States had naval control for the rest of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

Six months after their attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy planned another attack. They wanted to surprise the Americans on Midway Island. Luckily, American code breakers intercepted messages about the attack before it happened. The Americans were able to prepare for the Japanese strike. They also planned a trap for the Japanese. Japanese pilots attacked Midway on June 3rd. U.S. bombers sunk four Japanese ships in just a few hours. Tons of damage was done to the Japanese Navy. They were greatly weakened. Japan never fully recovered after this battle. The United States had naval dominance for the rest of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

Six months after their attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy planned another attack. They wanted to surprise attack the American Navy at their base on Midway Island. Luckily, American code breakers intercepted messages about the attack before it happened. This allowed the Americans to prepare for the Japanese strike. It also gave them time to plan a trap. When the Japanese fighter pilots launched an attack on Midway on June 3rd, they were met by a fully prepared American force. U.S. bombers sunk four Japanese ships in just a few hours. Tons of damage was done to the Japanese Navy. They were greatly weakened. Japan never fully recovered from this battle. The United States controlled the seas for the rest of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

Six months after their attack at Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy planned another attack. They wanted to surprise attack the American Navy at their base on Midway Island. Luckily, American code breakers intercepted messages about the attack before it happened. This allowed the Americans to prepare for the Japanese strike. It also gave them time to plan a trap. When the Japanese fighter pilots launched an attack on Midway on June 3rd, a fully prepared American force met them. U.S. bombers sunk four Japanese ships in just a few hours. Tons of damage was done to the Japanese Navy. They were greatly weakened. Japan never fully recovered after this battle. The United States maintained naval dominance throughout the rest of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

Six months after the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, the commander of the Japanese naval fleet planned another attack. He wanted to surprise attack the American Navy at their base on Midway Island. Luckily, American code breakers intercepted messages about the attack before it happened. This allowed the Americans to prepare for the Japanese strike, and it also gave them time to plan a trap. When the Japanese fighter pilots launched an attack on Midway on June 3rd, a fully prepared American force met them. U.S. bombers sunk four Japanese aircraft carrier ships in just a few hours. The damage that was done to the Japanese fleet was severe, and the Japanese forces were greatly weakened. Japan never fully recovered after this battle. The United States maintained naval dominance throughout the rest of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Midway

WHAT: Japanese attacked Americans at the island of Midway WHERE: Pacific theater WHEN: Began on June 3,1942 and lasted until June 7,1942

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

Germany wanted to conquer the Russian city of Stalingrad. Germany wanted control of Russia. First, they attacked by air in July. They bombed most of the city and took control of it. The Soviet troops fought back. They hid all over the city and attacked any German soldiers they saw. By November of 1942, the Soviets had trapped the Germans inside the city. They were also able to cut off the Germans from getting any supplies. The Germans held out for several months. However, they finally surrendered in February of 1943. They had been struggling to survive the freezing Russian winter. They could not hold off any longer. The Soviet Union’s win at Stalingrad was a major one!

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Stalingrad

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

Germany hoped to conquer the Russian city of Stalingrad and take control of Russia. The Germans began their attack by air in July. They bombed and destroyed most of the city. This attack allowed the Germans to take control of the Russian city. Despite this, the Soviet troops fought back. They hid all over the city and attacked any German soldiers they saw. By November of 1942, the Soviets had trapped the Germans inside the city. They were also able to cut off their supply of food and resources. The Germans held out for several months, but they finally surrendered in February of 1943. They had been struggling to survive the freezing Russian winter. They could not hold off the Soviet Army any longer. The Soviet Union’s defeat of Germany at Stalingrad was a major blow to German forces. It was also a hit to Hitler’s ego.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Stalingrad

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

Germany hoped to conquer the Russian city of Stalingrad. It thought this would help it take control of Russia. The Germans began their attack by air in July. They bombed and destroying most of the city. The German’s aggressive attack them to take control of the Russian city. Despite this, the Soviet troops fought back. They hid all over the city and attacked any German soldiers they saw. By November of 1942, the Soviets had trapped the Germans inside the city. They were also able to cut off their supply of food and resources. The Germans held out for several months. However, they finally had to surrender in February of 1943. They had been struggling to survive the freezing Russian winter. They could not hold off the Soviet Army any longer. The Soviet Union’s defeat of Germany at Stalingrad was a major blow to the German forces. It was also a hit to Hitler’s ego.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Stalingrad

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

Germany hoped to conquer the Russian city of Stalingrad. It wanted to take control of Russia. The Germans began their attack by air in July. They bombed and destroyed most of the city. This attack allowed the Germans to take control of the Russian city. Despite this, the Soviet troops fought back. They hid all over the city and attacked any German soldiers they saw. By November of 1942, the Soviets had trapped the Germans inside the city. They were also able to cut off their supply of food and resources. The Germans held out for several months, but they finally surrendered in February of 1943. They had been struggling to survive the freezing Russian winter. They could not hold off the Soviet Army any longer. The Soviet Union’s defeat of Germany at Stalingrad was a major blow to German forces. It was also a hit to Hitler’s ego.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Stalingrad

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

Germany hoped to conquer Stalingrad in their quest to take control of Russia. The Germans began their attack by air in July. They relentlessly bombed and destroyed most of the city of Stalingrad. This attack allowed the Germans to take control of the Russian city. Despite this, the Soviet troops fought back. They hid all over the city and attacked any German soldiers they came in contact with. By November of 1942, the Soviets had the Germans trapped inside the city, and they were able to cut off their supply of food and resources. The Germans held out for several months, but they finally surrendered in February of 1943. They could not survive the freezing Russian winter or hold off the Soviet Army any longer. The Soviet Union’s defeat of Germany at Stalingrad was a major defeat to German forces. It was also a hit to Hitler’s ego.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Stalingrad

WHAT: Germany attacked the Soviet Union at Stalingrad (part of the Soviet Union) WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on July 17, 1942 and lasted until February 1943

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

Allied troops landed in North Africa. The Allies wanted the Vichy French forces and the African natives to support them. At the time, the Vichy French were loyal to Germany. The Allies wanted control of North Africa. Controlling North Africa would set them up to attack Southern Europe. The French forces did not support the Allies. However, the Allies beat them anyways. Hitler was angry about losing. He fought back with Operation Anton. German and Allied Troops fought for many months after that. The Allies finally took over North Africa in May of 1943.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

Large groups of Allied troops landed in North Africa. They hoped to convince the Vichy French forces to support the Allies. The Vichy French were loyal to Germany. The Allies also wanted to win over the North African natives. They hoped to take control of North Africa. This would give them a good position for a future attack on Southern Europe. The French forces were opposed the Allied arrival. However, the Allied forces overcame them. Angry about the loss, the attack triggered a response from Hitler. He launched Operation Anton shortly thereafter. German and Allied Troops clashed for many months following the initial Allied invasion. The Allies finally took complete control of North Africa in May of 1943.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

Large groups of Allied troops landed in North Africa in November of 1942. Their intention was to convince the Vichy French forces to support the Allies. The Vichy French were loyal to Germany. The Allies also wanted to win over the North African natives. They hoped that they would be able to take control of North Africa. This would put them in a good position to attack Southern Europe. The French forces were strongly opposed to the Allied arrival. Unfortunately for them, the Allied forces were able to overcome them. Although the French resistance in North Africa was overcome quickly, the attack triggered a response from Hitler. He launched Operation Anton shortly thereafter. German and Allied Troops clashed for many months after the initial Allied invasion. The Allies finally took control of North Africa in May of 1943.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

Large groups of Allied troops landed in North Africa in hopes of convincing the Vichy French forces to support the Allies. The Vichy French were loyal to Germany. The Allies also wanted to win over the North African natives. They hoped that they would be able to take control of North Africa. This would put them in a good position to prepare for a future attack on Southern Europe. The French forces were strongly opposed to the Allied arrival. Unfortunately for them, the Allied forces were able to overcome them. Although the French resistance in North Africa was overcome quickly, the attack triggered a response from Hitler. He launched Operation Anton shortly thereafter. German and Allied Troops clashed for many months following the initial Allied invasion. The Allies finally took complete control of North Africa in May of 1943.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

Large groups of Allied troops landed in North Africa in hopes of convincing the Vichy French forces to support the Allied efforts. The Vichy French forces were loyal to Germany. The Allies also sought to win the North African natives over for the Allied cause. The troops hoped that they would be able to prepare for a future attack on Southern Europe by taking control of North Africa. The French forces were strongly opposed to the Allied arrival, but the Allied forces were able to overcome them. The French resistance in North Africa was overcome quickly, but the attack triggered a response from Hitler. He launched Operation Anton shortly thereafter. German and Allied Troops clashed for many months following the initial Allied invasion. The Allies finally took complete control of North Africa in May of 1943.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Operation Torch

WHAT: U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on November 8, 1942 and lasted until November 11, 1942

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France on June 6, 1944. Their attack was a surprise. They hit the Germans by sea and air. After a week, the Allies took control of the coast. Then, they started moving inland. They fought across Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops had landed in France. By August, the Allies controlled most of France. The Battle of Normandy was very important. It was a turning point in the war. This was when the Allied Powers began to take control of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France on June 6, 1944. This attack was a surprise that hit the Germans by sea and air. After a week, the Allies took control of the coast of France. They immediately began moving inland. They fought their way across Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops had landed in France. By August, the Allies had taken control of most of France from Germany. Although many Allied soldiers died in this attack, it was a very important battle. It was a turning point in the war. This was when the Allied Powers began to take control of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France on June 6, 1944. They launched a surprise sea and air attack on the German forces. Within a week, the Allies had taken control of the coast of France. They immediately began moving inland. They fought their way across the region of Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops were stationed in France. When August rolled around, the Allies had successfully taken control of most of France. This was a very important battle. Many Allied soldiers died in this attack, but it marked a turning point in the war. This was when the Allied Powers began to take control of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France on June 6, 1944. They launched a surprise sea and air attack on the German forces. Within a week, the Allies had taken control of the coast of France. They immediately began moving inland. They fought their way across the region of Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops were stationed in France. When August rolled around, the Allies had successfully taken control of the majority of France from Germany. Although many Allied soldiers died in this attack, it was a very important battle. It marked a turning point in the war. This was when the Allied Powers began to take control of the war.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France on June 6, 1944. They launched a surprise sea and air attack on the German forces. Within a week, the Allies had taken control of the coast of France. They immediately began moving inland. They fought their way across the region of Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops were stationed in France. When August rolled around, the Allies had successfully taken control of the majority of France from Germany. Although many Allied soldiers died in this attack, it was a very important battle. It marked a turning point in the war. This was when the Allied Powers began to take control of the war. ©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

Over 150,000 Allied forces landed on the beaches of France in a surprise sea and air attack on German forces. Within a week, the Allies had taken control of the coast of France and began moving inland as they fought their way across the region of Normandy. By the end of June 1944, over 800,000 Allied troops were stationed in France. When August rolled around, the Allies had successfully taken control of the majority of France from Germany. Although this major attack resulted in many Allied casualties, it was very significant because it marked a turning point in the war. This was the point in the war when the Allied Powers began to take control.

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of Normandy (“D-Day” or Operation Overload”)

WHAT: Allied forces surprise-attacked Germany on the coast of France WHERE: European theater WHEN: Began on June 6, 1944 and lasted until August of 1944

©Teaching is the Sweetest Thing MAJOR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR II Battle of the Bulge