Battle of Stalingrad
Hitler's generals wanted to move towards the Caucasus Region since that was rich in oil and resources. However, Hitler wanted to invade Stalingrad because it was an industrial center. More importantly, to Hitler, it would be great for propaganda purposes.
From August 1942 through February 1943, more than two million troops fought in close quarters – and nearly two million people were killed or injured in the fighting, including tens of thousands of Russian civilians. The Germans lost the battle. One of the reasons that the German War Machine lost the battle was due to their lack of preparedness for the Russian Winter. But the Battle of Stalingrad ultimately turned the tide of World War II in favor of the Allied forces.
From August 1942 through February 1943, more than two million troops fought in close quarters – and nearly two million people were killed or injured in the fighting, including tens of thousands of Russian civilians. The Germans lost the battle. One of the reasons that the German War Machine lost the battle was due to their lack of preparedness for the Russian Winter. But the Battle of Stalingrad ultimately turned the tide of World War II in favor of the Allied forces.
D-Day
Operation Overlord was the codename for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied (U.S., England, & Canada) operation that launched the successful invasion of German-occupied Western Europe during World War II.
The operation was launched on 6 June 1944. A 1,200-plane airborne assault preceded an amphibious assault involving more than 5,000 vessels. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on 6 June, and more than two million Allied troops were in France by the end of August. D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion in military history and took years to plan. Once the beaches at Normandy were secured, the entire American and British militaries were transferred across the English channel |
Germany Surrenders May 7, 1945 (V-E Day)
The total Allied losses at Normandy are estimated to be at least 226,000. But thanks in part to the massive influx of troops and equipment, D-Day marked a decisive turning point in the war.
Less than a year later, On May 7, 1945, Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to the European conflict in World War II. Hitler committed suicide so General Alfred Jodi, representing the German High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of both east and west forces in Reims, France, which would take effect the following day. |