WWII - The European Theater (Lesson)

The European Theater

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
[Endorsement]

 

Logistics in Europe

When the United States declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, the country was plunged into a global war. The Japanese had aligned with German and Italy, and these nations also declared war on the United States. The United States was in the difficult position of fighting a two-ocean war. This complex situation was beneficial to the Axis Powers because the United States had to divide its forces and resources. The vast distance of the Pacific Ocean posed many logistical problems for the United States and its Allies. Even so, the war in Europe posed many similar logistical issues.

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean during the 1940s took approximately two weeks. As the ships carrying supplies and troops reached the regions at war, they were subject to attack from German submarines that fought in groups known as Wolf Packs. Navigating the length and the dangers of the seas, the supplies and troops reached their destinations. Because of the land fighting in Europe, planes were subject to be shot down while transporting resources. Gasoline became a highly prioritized commodity. As invasions drew Allied forces deeper into enemy territory, supplies, along what is known as a supply line, were stretched. The production of resources and then the subsequent logistical application of those resources helped the Allied Powers win the war.

D-Day

The largest amphibious invasion of men in the history of the world occurred on June 6, 1945, during the invasion of Normandy, France. The overall invasion was code-named Operation Overlord, but it is commonly referred to as D-Day, referring to the first day of the invasion. The term “D-Day” originated from military planning procedures. When planning an action, the military personnel did not know a specific date or time for the action. So the term “D-Day” was inserted into the plans for the unknown day and “H-Hour” was inserted for the unknown time.

D-Day was a success for a number of factors. First, the overwhelming number of men and supplies outweighed the German forces. Over 150,000 men crossed the English Channel from Great Britain to France. Over 6,000 vessels transported men and supplies. Second, the use of strategic tactics outwitted the German forces. Allied spies had infiltrated Nazi leadership and convinced them the invasion would occur elsewhere. False radio transmissions, along with decoy paratroopers and vehicles, gave the impression of an invasion occurring elsewhere as well. The confusion allowed the Allied Powers to have a greater advantage at Normandy. Although, the Allied invasion at Normandy cost thousands of lives, it is seen as a turning point in the war as they were able to regain Europe.

The Battle of Berlin

There were so many other battles of importance that occurred during World War II in Europe. These battles culminated in the final Battle of Berlin. The Soviet Union, once aligned with the Germans, was tasked with taking control of Berlin. The fighting was intense. Almost 500,000 Germans were killed and nearly 100,00 Soviets were killed. The battle was one of the most deadly conflicts in recorded history. However, as the Soviets closed in on victory, Adolf Hitler and many of the high-ranking Nazi leaders committed suicide. Ultimately on May 8, 1945, the remnants of German leadership surrendered in what became known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day.

Review

Below is timeline of the events leading up to and during the second World War. Check out the initial 3 items, then click on the arrow icon at the bottom to learn more about what happened during the war.