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D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy
On the evening of June 5th, the Allied powers sailed across the English channel, taking over 5 beaches along France's coast (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword). Due to an overcast and rainy weather, Hitler was not expecting the invasion on this date. Through this invasion, the Allies gained control of the skies and France's beaches, beginning to liberate Western Europe. -
Liberation of Paris
A French resistance movement in Paris staged an uprising against German occupiers. Hitler issued an order to the German governor, General Dietrich von Choltitz, to burn the city to the ground. General Dietrich von Choltitz went against his orders and instead created a truce with the rebels on the 23rd. When the U.S. and French forces reached the city, he surrendered. This was a large win for the Allies; after four years of German occupation, France was liberated. -
Allied Offensive in Saar Valley
General Patton's US troop captured the city of Metz and crossed Saar Valley, facing strong German resistance. Ultimately, they were able to fight back and make it onto German soil, which was very important for the Allies. -
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Allied Offfensive in the Saar Valley
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The Battle of the Bulge
Hitler launched the surprise Ardennes offensive, creating a "bulge" in the center of American territory. The Third Army moved northward from the Saar Valley, and the Allied powers managed to regain air control. Out of fear, the Germans slowly retreated from the Ardennes. The Americans regained lost territory, and proceeded toward Rhine. Germany had used the last of it's resources for the offensive, leaving them vulnerable to the Allies. -
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The Battle of the Bulge
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Closing of the Ruhr Pocket
Surrounding the enemy, the Allies drove German forces into the Ruhr Valley, trapping and weakening its army. This allowed the Allies to move across Germany. -
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Closing of the Ruhr Pocket
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The Battle of Berlin
The Soviet Union took over Berlin, resulting in Hitler's death and the German's unconditional surrender to the Allies, ending the war in Europe. -
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The Battle of Berlin
