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German Invasion of Poland
Resisted by France, the USSR, and obviously Poland, Hitler planned and executed a full-scale assault on Poland. After a lot of resistance, the nearly million Polish troops were still overwhelmed by the German siege.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-invade-poland -
Battle of Crete
Having blown through Greece, the Germans set their sights on Crete, facing resistance from British (and New Zealand’s) troops. Unfortunately for Germany, this came at the same time Hitler was planning Operation Barbarossa, so he said they could only use troops currently in the area, as to avoid any further, distracting, conflict. This ended up in a massive airborne invasion, which because of German protocol, was a massive failure.
https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-battle-of-crete-2361468 -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a testament to how German war logistics were inferior. When Hitler decided to launch an attack (Operation Barbarossa) deep into Soviet land, he grossly underestimated them, and was met with unrelenting force Germany was not prepared for. This undeniable loss was a turning point in the war, as it forced Germany to fight a war on two fronts, which they were extremely underprepared for.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
An assault on an American naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (near Honolulu). The battle is what caused America to declare war on Japan, which entered them into the war. The attack on Pearl Harbor destroyed 20 ships, 300+ planes, and killed over 2,000 people.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Stalingrad
Fought between Germany and Russia, it was one of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Germany attempted to invade the Russian city of Stalingrad, seeing its propaganda potential because its bearing of Stalin’s name, and Russia defended it with such intensity for the same reason. Ultimately, Russia won the battle, and it was the first loss Hitler recognized.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Battle of Kursk
Due to Operation Citadel, the Soviets had to defend themselves against an attack from Germany (which they knew about ahead of time thanks to Britain cracking the Wehrmacht’s secret code). By heavily arming themselves in the time Germany delayed the attack, they were able to defend themselves against the blitzkrieg and take the offensive away from Germany.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-kursk -
Normandy
One of the largest amphibious military operations, performed by the allied forces (America, Britain, and Canada). The whole point was to liberate Western Europe from nazi control. Over 150,000 soldiers stormed the 50 miles of beach in Normandy, France.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Operation Bagration
Launched just after D-Day, the Soviet army totally annihilated the German Army Group Centre. The Army Group Centre was an anchor in the war and were blocking the shortest path to Berlin. Due to Hitler’s inability to let generals do their jobs and wanting to micromanage everything, Germany’s forces became brittle and the Soviets were able to crush them.
http://ww2history.com/key_moments/Eastern/Operation_Bagration -
Battle of Bulge
An intense, six week engagement between America and Germany. Taking place in and around the Ardennes Forest, the Germans were constantly pushing back against American advancements using a variety of tactics including dropping spies/imposters behind enemy lines. After victory, the Allies headed towards Berlin.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Battle of Berlin
The soviets invaded the German city of Berlin in order to put Hitler on the defensive. Lead by Stalin and supported by the allies, they were able to overwhelm the German forces and cause Berlin to surrender.
https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-battle-of-berlin-2361466
