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World War II
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Battle of the Atlantic
German U-boats attack Alled ships in groups known as Wolf Packs. They hunted in groups and attacked at night. The American convoy system was ineffective with 360 American ships sunk. Alles eventually won this campaign sue to Radar and Sonar systems that Germans did not yet have. Americans began producing new ships at an amazing rate, and these were used to make better-equppied convoys with Allied planes protecting form above. Another factor was breaking the German code system known as Enigma. -
Battle of Britian
A significant turning point of World War II, the Battle of Britain ended when Germany’s Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force despite months of targeting Britain’s air bases, military posts and, ultimately, its civilian population. Britain’s decisive victory saved the country from a ground invasion and possible occupation by German forces while proving that air power alone could be used to win a major battle. -
Operation Torch
The Soviet Union had pressed the United States and United Kingdom to start operations in Europe and open a second front to reduce the pressure of German forces on the Soviet troops. While the American commanders favored Operation Sledgehammer, landing in Occupied Europe as soon as possible, the British commanders believed that such a course would end in disaster. An attack on French North Africa was proposed instead, which would clear the Axis powers from North Africa, improve naval control. -
Battle of Almien
A battle set around the same time as the seige in Stalingrad, the British handed a major defeat to the Germans. THe Italians tried to force the British from their stronghold in Egypt from Libya. The Italians failed, and Hitler was forced to send reinforments. It was a juggle between the two forces but finally British were victorious. Ally casulties were 13 thousand while the Axis were 17 thousand. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Hitler broke his nonagression pact with Stalin and sent his forces into the Soviet Union, his forces suffered greatly due to the Siberian winter, and he had to retreat. Hitler renewed his forces and attacked the city of Stalingrad, a major industrial city, in the spring. THe Germans were unable to take Stalingrad and 250,000 Axis soldiers were captured, the victory began the German's collapse. However, loses on the Soviet side were 12 million and Germans only 2 million. -
Invasion of Sicily/Italy
Allied forces fought for control on Siciliy and Italy from the Axis. The Allies planned to use Italy as a staging base for a further invasion of Europe. As a result of this invasion, Mussolini was toppled from power. -
Battle of the Bulge
Last major German offensive of the War. It was a major battle in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg. Led by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the battle was named for an Allied Bulge, that the Germans exploited. -
Hitler's Suicide
This was the death of Hitler and new wife, Eva Braun. Hitler shot himself and Eva poisoned herself. Hitler commited Suicide with Soviet troops closing in on his bunker. His body was burnt and destroyed by his troops. -
VE Day
This marked the day of German surrender. Germany surrended under the leadership of Admiral Karl Donitz. Germany was divided between the Western Allies and the USSR.
