Important Battles of World War 2

Important Battles of World War 2By: Mr. Potteiger9th Grade HistoryClick to Continue

Battle of OkinawaLast major battle of the war in the Pacific, as the atomic bombs would be dropped a few weeks laterThis battle was the bloodiest of the Pacific War, with Allied casualties nearly reaching 70,000In the end the Allies managed to capture the island, gaining a crucial stepping stone on the road to invading Japan.

Back to Main MenuYouve Finished.Please click the button below to return to the title slide for the next student!Return to Title SlideBattle of MidwayThis was the turning point in the Pacific Theater, as after this the Japanese had to go on the defensive.The Japanese lost 4 carriers while only destroying one of the Americans. Their fleet was never a powerhouse again during the war.Heavy losses among pilots were inflicted upon both side, although the Allies came out on top.

Back to Main MenuBattle of the Coral SeaThis was the first battle in which neither sides ships made contact with the other, all fighting was done by planes.Japanese sunk the most ships, but the Allies had halted Japanese expansion in the Pacific.The weakening of the Japanese fleet incurred here allowed the Allies to push the Japanese away from Australia a few months later.

Back to Main MenuBattle of Pearl HarborThis is the attack that got the United States involved in the Second World War. The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the morning of December 7, 1941 that decimated the US Pacific Fleet. A sound defeat by the United States, the only important ships left floating were the two aircraft carriers out doing maneuvers at the time of the assault.

Back to Main MenuOperation: Market GardenThis was the largest airborne operation attempted at the time, and was an utter failure.Paratroopers, dropped deep behind enemy lines, were cut off and surrounded. Relief forces were unable to reach them in time and evacuations had to be attempted.The idea was to secure bridges to allow the Rhine to be crossed, but since it failed, the river wouldnt be crossed until the next year.

Back to Main MenuBattle of the BulgeThis was the last major offensive made by the Germans during the end of the war.While the attack caught the Allies by surprise, a series of tactical blunders allowed the tables to turn and the German Army to be soundly defeated.This battle allowed the Allies an easier time crossing the Rhine as German forces were decimated and unable to amass the ability

Back to Main MenuInvasion of NormandyThis invasion was designed to allow the Allies to get a foothold on mainland Europe and assault Germany. Paratroops were dropped in to soften defenses and take out artillery before the invasion. The invasion itself consisted of more than 7,000 vessels. While costly, the invasion was a success.After the beachhead was secured, the Allies built up forces over a span of several weeks before breaking out.

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