THE TIDE TURNS
THE TIDE TURNSWORLD WAR II COMES TO GERMANYTHE TIDE TURNSWhen
1942 began, the Axis Powers(Germany, Italy, Japan) were dominant in
their respective areas. As the year went on it was apparent that
their success and victory in the war was in doubt. The Allied
Powers(Britain, USSR, USA)coordinated their efforts and developed a
strategy for victory. The entire direction of the war had changed.
The Great MobilizationMen prepared for war as industries turned to
manufacturing war materials to support the Allied armies.
ALLIED STRATEGYTo attack the Germans Europe would be a difficult
task.
Dieppe Raid-August 19, 1942 approximately 5000 Canadians,
British and Americans attacked the small French port of Dieppe. The
ineffective landing of 27 tanks and the discovery of the invasion
by the Germans made its failure inevitable.Over 3000 of the
invaders never returned.This failure showed the Allies that to
invade Europe and defeat the Nazis would take more planning and
materials.DIEPPE RAID
ALLIED STRATEGYWhere should the Allies strike?
The Allies evaluated their enemies and decided that Nazi Germany
was the greatest threat in the war. The Allies also concluded that
the weakest of the Axis Powers was Fascist Italy. Italy was seen as
the soft underbelly of Europe and should be pressured first.
OPERATION TORCHThe Allies decided to invade North Africa.The Allies
hoped to catch the Vichy French/Italian forces between the invaders
in the west and the British in Egypt.The Germans sent the Africa
Corp to North Africa to support the Italians.
MONTGOMERY, PATTON, ROMMELNORTH AFRICAKey Battle: El
Alamein-decisive British victory over Rommel and the Germans in
North Africa.The victory drove the Germans away from the Suez Canal
and the oil of the Middle East.The Germans and Italians surrendered
in May, 1943.The next step: the invasion of Italy.
INVASION OF ITALYBegun in September of 1943.It was led by
General Patton(USA) and General Montgomery(Br).Mussolini was
overthrown and imprisoned.Italy signed an armistice.Mussolini was
rescued by a German commando raid and made leader of German-held
Italy.TEHRAN CONFERENCE 1943November-December, 1943.
Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt met.
Honest discussions took place as the Allies talked about the war
and how they were going to win itTEHRAN CONFERENCE 1943
TEHRAN CONFERENCE 1943The Allies agreed that the Axis powers
must surrender unconditionally(without any deals or
preconditions).
The Soviets pleaded for Britain and the USA to open a Second
Front against the Germans in Europe. This would help to relieve
German pressure on the USSR.
Britain and the USA guarantee it will happen as soon as all
preparations were in place. They let the Soviets know that if it
fails, there wont be another try for a long time.
OPERATION OVERLORDAllied plan for the invasion of German-held
France at Normandy.In this endeavor, failure was not an option.2
years in preparation.Details: beach sand consistency, tides,
etc.Must achieve air superiority against the German Luftwaffe over
the English Channel.5000 ships.
CALAIS, FRANCE
CALAIS, FRANCE
POINT DU HOC
FAKE PARATROOPERS
LANDING CRAFT
PATHFINDERS
PATHFINDERS
MULBERRYS
D-DAY
D-DAYExecution of the Overlord plan.The Allies controlled the
skies over the English Channel.The attack was to take place along
the Normandy coast(Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword).The results of
the first day: 120,000 soldiers landed in France. A foothold was
established. Preparation began for the breakout. The Second Front
had begun. Germany was now fighting for real in two
directions.D-DAY
D-DAY
D-DAY
THE BREAKOUTThe Allies held a 40 mile wide, 7 mile deep area.The
goal was to stockpile fuel, ammunition, medical supplies, military
equipment and soldiers. This was preparation for the battle to
come.The move off the beaches began in July, 1944.
August 25, 1944-Paris was liberated.THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGEDecember 16, 1944German attack in the
West designed to split the Allies, Britain and the USA.Hitler
believed his armies could split the Allies and run to the English
Channel just like in 1940.With this show of force, Hitler believed
that he could convince Britain and the USA to join the Nazis as
allies determined to destroy Communism.At first, the Allies lost
ground.THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGEThe advance by the Germans created a
bulge in the lines.The British(Montgomery) in the north and the
USA(Patton) in the south cut off the bulge with a pincer move.The
German forces in the west were finished.They would fight in
grudging retreat.THE YALTA CONFERENCEYalta, USSR.February,
1945.Roosevelt(USA), Churchill(Britain), Stalin(USSR).Now that
Germany was on the verge of defeat, the Allied Powers met to
discuss how the war would end in Europe.Questions were addressed.
Who would conquer Berlin? How would Germany be occupied? How would
new governments be installed in liberated territories?
THE YALTA CONFERENCERoosevelt was very weak physically. He often
let details of the negotiations be handled by aides.Churchill
believed you could somewhat trust Stalin.The Allies agree: the USSR
would take Berlin, Germany and Berlin would be occupied by all of
the Allies, and liberated territories would hold free elections to
choose their new governments.(This was a misunderstanding by the
USA and Britain in regards to what the Soviets meant.)
