5-21-20Fighting in Europe

It is a two front war, it is happening in Europe and in the Pacific simultaneously. We are going to look at what’s happening in Europe separate from the Pacific fighting. Then we will come back and focus on the war in the pacific. The key to remember is that they were actually taking place at the same time.

The Axis consists of Germany, Italy and Japan. The Allies consist of pretty much everyone else. The main countries for the Allies are France, Great Britain and the United States. After the Battle of Stalingrad, the Soviet Union also becomes an Allied Power. By the time the United States finally joins the war, The Axix is winning. They control most of Europe.

President Roosevelt meets with the United Kingdoms Prime Minister Churchill they discussed what would become the Atlantic Charter in 1941. There was never any formal, legal document entitled "The Atlantic Charter". It detailed the goals and aims of the Allied powers concerning the war and the post-war world. The Atlantic Charter made clear that the United States was supporting the United Kingdom in the war.

Both the US and UK wanted to present their unity and hopes for a peaceful post-war world and the policies they agreed to follow once the Nazis had been defeated. They focused on the peace that would follow, and not specific American involvement and war strategy, although American involvement appeared increasingly likely (we join 4 months later).

The US does give 50 surplus destroyers to the UK for use against German U-boats (submarines) to help secure the Atlantic crossing.

With most of Europe under Axis control it was determined that landing in Africa would be easier than in Europe. The Axis also controlled most of Northern Africa. The Axis is desperately trying to take the Suez Canal (like the Panama Canal) to eliminate having to go around Africa.

The British Empire attacks the combined German-Italian forces at The Battle of El Alamein. This is the beginning of the end for the Axis in Africa.

German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel tried to halt the tide, but the British were too overwhelming. Hitler blocks a retreat. Rommel managed to escape annihilation by withdrawing his men to Tunisia.

Here the U.S. joins in and combines to drive the Axis out of Africa as they chase them up and through the Italian boot.

Watch Video; Hitler attacks Stalin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkfGHFWGrag

Hitler turns and attacks his former Ally the Soviet Union. The Germany military is highly mechanized and needs oil. As they are pushing through the Soviet Union on their way to the Middle East for oil. Hitler who fancies himself as a military genius decides to make a detour and attack Stalingrad. The birthplace of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. You now have a battle being led by two of the meanest most stubborn men to ever walk the planet. Even with advice from their generals, both sides refuse to give in. Stalingrad becomes the largest single battle in world history, as the two sides lock together for six months (199 days). A staggering two million are killed in this one battle. Eventually the Soviets prevail and begin pushing the Nazi’s back towards Germany. This battle shifts the tide of the war. The Germans lose a lot of men. The Germanys are now more defensive than offensive. This battle was key for the United States. As Germany was so, busy spending men and resources against the Soviets. It meant that the Germans did not have as much time and effort for the United States as we are fighting in North Africa.

Watch Video; Battle of Stalingrad 1942-1943 (5:07) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkELWFqGKQ

With Germany pulling back, the United States and the United Kingdom begin to bomb Germany relentlessly. The invention of the Norden bombsight the sight relied on a mechanical computer which helped calculate the bomb’s trajectory based on flight conditions and a link to the aircraft’s autopilot that allowed to react to rapid changes in environmental conditions. These factors helped American pilots achieve unprecedented accuracy in bombing from high altitudes during WWII. The Norden bombsight also allowed for high altitude bombing (less chance of getting shot down).

1. Watch Video; WWII: Allied Bombing of Dresden Begins - 1945 |

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTOu_54csQw

With the Soviets beating the Germans at Stalingrad, the Germans are now being pushed back on the Eastern front.

The United States and the United Kingdom have defeated the Germans in Africa. As the Allies, drive the Germans from Africa. The Germans cross the Mediterranean Sea into Sicily and then Italy to get away. The U.K. and the U.S. are in hot pursuit.

Germany is now falling back from two different directions. Hitler’s decision to attack Stalingrad probably cost Germany the war.

Open documents 4b Dresden reading and 4c Dresden questions. Complete document 4c and send to your teacher.