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Battle of France/ Miracle of Dunkirk
The Battle of Dunkirk was a military operation, fought between the Nazis and the Allies.
For every seven soldiers who escaped during this battle, one was left behind as a prisoner of war.
Germany was victorious, allies forced to evacuate about 85% of troops.
Over 800 ships evacuated more than 338,000 Allied soldiers.
The German attack was supposed to be impossible, but due to the power from tanks and a new general's ideas, they covered many miles in only a few days. -
The Battle of Britain
After Hitler's Germany conquered most of Europe, only Great Britain stood in their way.
Germany launched a bombing attack on London.
The British air force, or RAF, fought off the Luftwaffe, Germany's air force.
At one point Germany was bombed 57 nights in a row. -
The Siege of Leningrad
The German “blockade” claimed over 650,000 Leningrad lives in 1942.
The little supplies found were used in weapon factories, and the city's two million citizens were left with nothing.
Leningrad's defenses were stabilized after all able-bodied citizens were mobilized.
The siege was lifted by Soviet forces.
Also called the 900-day-siege, yet it only lasted 872 days. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
Considered to be Russia's greatest battles.
Stopped Germany from advancing into the Soviet Union
The city Stalingrad was an industrial complex, and if Germany took control, it would leave Russia helpless.
Luftwaffe rained bombs on the city's northern suburbs.
Operation Uranus, planned by three Soviet generals, cut through Germany's weak flanks. -
Operation Torch
It was first called Operation Gymnast.
First time British and Americans worked on an invasion plan together.
Invasion of French North Africa.
General Eisenhower carried out campaign.
Allied victory, British and Americans occupied land in Morocco and Algeria. -
D Day
Also known as the Normandy Landings, or the Battle of Normandy.
Allied "liberation" of Western Europe from Germany's control.
"The beginning of the end of WW2."
There was a delay due to the weather, and 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft were involved.
Over 425,000 Allied and German troops died. -
The Battle of the Bulge
Last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front.
Hitler attempted to break the Allied Army in northwestern Europe.
American units were not prepared, and fought bloody, ugly battles.
Germans lost so many trained troops and weapons, they could not launch another attack on the Allied troops
More than 200,000 casualties altogether. -
The Battle of Berlin
Final major offensive by Europe in WW2.
Labeled as a "decisive Soviet victory," and led to the deaths of many Nazi officials.
Hitler commited suicide, and completely surrendered Berlin.
City surrendered on May 2nd, but the fighting didn't cease for a week.
More than a million casualties in the Battle of Berlin
