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." -Adolf Hitler Blitzkrieg German battle strategy Coordinated attacks by Tanks, Infantry, and Stuka Dive bombers Blitzkrieg SUPPLIES Poland Split Germany took Western Poland and the USSR took Eastern Poland England and France 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, Italy, and Japan Battle of Britain Operation Sea Lion: – Planned German invasion of England – Required Luftwaffe to destroy the Royal Air Force (RAF) “The Blitz”: - 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 Battle of the Bulge 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” surrender D-Day June 6, 1944 Allies invade Normandy, 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.