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Maginot Line
- The Maginot Line was a system of concrete tanks and other defenses along the French-German and French-Italian border. The purpose was to provide France with an impenetrable border that was easier to man than a mobile army. It was rearmed in 1935 before World War II
- On May 15, 1940, the Germans broke through French lines, the French were severely unprepared to fight inside their border, resulting in their surrender. This was a highlight for the Germans as they began to beat the Allies.
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Second Sino-Japanese War
- This was one of Japan's attempts to expand into the coast of China for land and resources, the war was in a deadlock for many years while China was able to get supplies through Burma Road.
- While Japan occupied parts of China they had access to more resources to grow their millitary and become a stronger compettior throughout the war.
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Munich Conference
-Meeting between Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and France in Munich where Czechoslovakia was sacrificed to Germany to keep world peace.
- This appeasement allowed Germany to begin expanding its empire and showed the world the weak leadership of the Leauge of Nations. -
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Western Desert Campaign (Desert War)
- This was a series of battles between the Axis and the Allies dependent on the need for resources and supplies, resulting in many stalemates in Africa throughout the war.
- Africa provided quick and safe passage of supplies, so when America chased the Germans out in November 1942 the Allies had the advantage of safe supply transport setting the stage for D-day.
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Battle of Britain
- Germany wanted to ruin the Royal Airforce so they could invade Great Britain and cause panic. This battle was almost exclusively fought in the air making it the largest ariel battle in history.
- Great Britain launched a raid on September 15th to take down almost half of the German bombers destroying the already weakened German airforce. This marked the beginning of the Allies victory in western Europe.
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Island-hopping
- This was a strategy used by the US against Japan; they took control of islands one at a time, then used those islands as planning and prep area for the next attack. It was a risky strategy for marine members.
- Although the death rate was high during these attacks the Americans successfully made their way closer to Japan, and eventually ended the war by dropping the 2 nuclear bombs. This strategy allowed the army to be in range to carry out the missions that ended the war in the Pacific.
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Battle of Stalingrad
- Germany progressed toward Stalingrad to block the route to the Caucasus and cut off the Soviets reinforcements and supplies. The battle was in a stalemate for many years until the temperature dropped and the Germans were unable to receive more supplies.
- The Soviets blasted the Germans with 7,000 cannons (the largest artillery bombardment in history) destroying the entire Sixth Army and allowing the Soviets to overcome the German army marking the end of German advancements.
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Battle of Okinawa
- Battle on the island of Okinawa mainly between Japan and the United States; a month of naval and ariel bombardment resulting the in the death of 1/3 of the island's population.
- The Allies eventually won this battle, which helped to cut off Japan's resources and allow the Allies a base closer to Japan for short attacks which helped win the war.
