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WWII in Europe

Germany Invades France• By 1940, Hitler had invaded France and captured it for the Nazis.

Battle of BritainBy September of 1940, the Nazis had turned their attention toward Britain.

For the next year, Hitler bombed and attacked English cities…

Even without Britain, Hitler had conquered most of central Europe…

•Hitler believed he had crippled the Allied powers enough in the West, he now turned his troops toward the East and attacked USSR.

•Cold Winter, Nazis would not retreat; costly for Germany.

A dedicated Soviet Army, combined with the harsh Russian winter made things difficult for the Nazis.

USSR PROPAGANDA: “If you are surrounded, fight to the last drop of blood!”

Battle of Stalingrad• Hitler’s loss at Stalingrad is the turning

point of the war in Eastern Europe

With Hitler on the run in the Soviet Union, the Allies plan a counter-attack to reclaim central Europe…

The Allies attack plan involved 5,000 ships carrying men and vehicles across the English Channel, as well as 800 planes dropping over 13,000 men in parachutes. A additional 300 planes dropped bombs on German troops defending the beaches.

IT WAS THE LARGEST NAVAL, AIR AND LAND OPERATION IN HUMAN HISTORY

Taking the beaches of France proved to be a difficult task, as the Nazis were well fortified.

After some heavy fighting, the Allies were victorious. Now they were in Europe, and could start pushing toward Germany…

The combined efforts of the Allies on the two European fronts cause Hitler to be trapped…

Knowing defeat was inevitable, Hitler commits suicide before Germany surrenders…

But with the Nazis finished, America still has a fight with Japan in the Pacific….