WWII BattlesEssential Question: What were the key events in Europe and North Africa during WWII?

Battle of the AtlanticStalingradNorth Africa/Italy CampaignD-DayBattle of the Bulge

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

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

North Africa/Italian Campaign

• Need access to oil in Middle East• Italians forces in Libya beaten

back by British forces• 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

D-Day (Operation Overlord)Normandy Beach

•The invasion of Europe by the Allies •June 6th, 1944 •160,000 soldiers, 1,500 tanks, 5,300 ships, 12,000 aircraft•Germans slow to respond•Secure beach and then France

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