significant battles
BATTLES OF ALAMEIN
North Africa had its fair share of war as most of its countries were colonized by the British, French and Italian forces. Alamein was a railway station that was located 100 kilometers from Alexandria. During this time, the British had control over Egypt whilst the Italians had control over Libya. The Axis began to mobilize in Libya in order to move in and take over Egypt.
German fortifications were being built from the Qattara Depression up to the Mediterranean coast. At this time, both the Axis and Allies were growing tiresome but Auchinleck, the leader of the allied forces in North Africa, was not going to allow for another Allied defeat as he began to prepare the 8th Army. On July 1, 1944, Rommel, leader of the Axis forces in North Africa ordered the attack to begin. His army, the Panzer Armee, moved forward into Egypt but were met by resistance from the British army. Rommel began to reorganize the forces and began a second attempt but the Allied forces had great tanks and were outnumbering the Germans. On July 4, Rommel knew he could not fight any longer and on July 4th, ended the battle.
Hitler, however, was determined to gain North Africa and so commenced the Second Battle of Alamein. This time, Auchinleck was no longer the army general as no longer rigidly protected the area and Winston Churchill believed the Axis power would fight again. Churchill now replaced him with General Bernard Montgomery. Montgomery revived the 8th Army and formulated a full attack plan.
Rommel tried to attack the 8th Army from the 30th of August to the 7th of September but the 8th Army stood its ground. Rommel now prepared for a bigger attack and thus, changing his tactics. Soon, however, Rommel fell ill and left North Africa, leaving General Georg von Stumme to take his place.
The fighting began on October 23rd, 1944 and the German’s were stronger than before. The 8th Army began to move forward. Soon, Rommel returned. Montgomery launched an attack on the night of November 1st to break through the German defenses. The operation, known as Operation Supercharge had led the German to severe loss in sources. Rommel now believed his army had lost the battle. He warned Hitler through a coded message, the message was intercepted by the Allies. By the time Rommel could get an order from Hitler, which stated “Stand and die.” By the time Rommel had received these orders, the Panzer Armee had retreated and the Axis powers were defeated.
The Battle of Alamein proved to be a significant battle as it ended an attempt at German occupation in North Africa. This also pushed the French to start investing in the North Africa campaign.
North Africa had its fair share of war as most of its countries were colonized by the British, French and Italian forces. Alamein was a railway station that was located 100 kilometers from Alexandria. During this time, the British had control over Egypt whilst the Italians had control over Libya. The Axis began to mobilize in Libya in order to move in and take over Egypt.
German fortifications were being built from the Qattara Depression up to the Mediterranean coast. At this time, both the Axis and Allies were growing tiresome but Auchinleck, the leader of the allied forces in North Africa, was not going to allow for another Allied defeat as he began to prepare the 8th Army. On July 1, 1944, Rommel, leader of the Axis forces in North Africa ordered the attack to begin. His army, the Panzer Armee, moved forward into Egypt but were met by resistance from the British army. Rommel began to reorganize the forces and began a second attempt but the Allied forces had great tanks and were outnumbering the Germans. On July 4, Rommel knew he could not fight any longer and on July 4th, ended the battle.
Hitler, however, was determined to gain North Africa and so commenced the Second Battle of Alamein. This time, Auchinleck was no longer the army general as no longer rigidly protected the area and Winston Churchill believed the Axis power would fight again. Churchill now replaced him with General Bernard Montgomery. Montgomery revived the 8th Army and formulated a full attack plan.
Rommel tried to attack the 8th Army from the 30th of August to the 7th of September but the 8th Army stood its ground. Rommel now prepared for a bigger attack and thus, changing his tactics. Soon, however, Rommel fell ill and left North Africa, leaving General Georg von Stumme to take his place.
The fighting began on October 23rd, 1944 and the German’s were stronger than before. The 8th Army began to move forward. Soon, Rommel returned. Montgomery launched an attack on the night of November 1st to break through the German defenses. The operation, known as Operation Supercharge had led the German to severe loss in sources. Rommel now believed his army had lost the battle. He warned Hitler through a coded message, the message was intercepted by the Allies. By the time Rommel could get an order from Hitler, which stated “Stand and die.” By the time Rommel had received these orders, the Panzer Armee had retreated and the Axis powers were defeated.
The Battle of Alamein proved to be a significant battle as it ended an attempt at German occupation in North Africa. This also pushed the French to start investing in the North Africa campaign.
BATTLE OF BULGE
The Battle of Bulge took place over the course of two winters, that of 1944 and 1945 and was Hitler’s last offensive against the allies and was an attempt at dividing the Allies into two so they would weakly attack Berlin. It began on December 16th, 1944. Hitler thought that the alliances between the US, France and Britain was enough to deteriorate with one major attack. Known as the Ardennes Offensive, Hitler ordered that the US forces be attacked. The attack resulted in a bugle on the Allied front, which is why the battles became known as the Battle of Bulge. He was to attack the allies with the use of three armies and through the attacks, gain the port of Antwerp in order to intercept the allies’ resources. Hitler’s plan was to stop Canada’s First Army, Britain’s Second Army and America’s First and Ninth Armies. As this battle took place after D-Day, the plan seemed unrealistic as it didn’t have enough resources to support itself. However, Hitler was determined. The attack took place at Schnee Eifel. The allies were taken by surprise. German soldiers posing as American soldiers caused internal conflict by spreading untrue information on the Allies’ sides. Some of the soldiers were caught and shot however. The air force could also not be used as the fog was heavy, which worked in Hitler’s favour. This luck was short lived, only two days. The weather was beginning to clear up and the Allies brought out their air force. Hitler’s plan also depended largely on fuel, fuel they could not present. The Germans began to advance on December 18th but they were in a stalemate. New Year’s presented intense fighting and by mid-July, 1994, German tanks had no fuel that soldiers began to abandon them. Soldiers now made their way on foot back to Germany. These soldiers were easy targets which led them to be casualties of Malmedy Massacre.
The Battle of Bulge was the largest battle the Americans fought in with 600,000 soldiers participating and with 81,000 losses. Germany also lost a lot of soldiers with more than 100,000 captured, wounded or killed.
The Battle of Bulge took place over the course of two winters, that of 1944 and 1945 and was Hitler’s last offensive against the allies and was an attempt at dividing the Allies into two so they would weakly attack Berlin. It began on December 16th, 1944. Hitler thought that the alliances between the US, France and Britain was enough to deteriorate with one major attack. Known as the Ardennes Offensive, Hitler ordered that the US forces be attacked. The attack resulted in a bugle on the Allied front, which is why the battles became known as the Battle of Bulge. He was to attack the allies with the use of three armies and through the attacks, gain the port of Antwerp in order to intercept the allies’ resources. Hitler’s plan was to stop Canada’s First Army, Britain’s Second Army and America’s First and Ninth Armies. As this battle took place after D-Day, the plan seemed unrealistic as it didn’t have enough resources to support itself. However, Hitler was determined. The attack took place at Schnee Eifel. The allies were taken by surprise. German soldiers posing as American soldiers caused internal conflict by spreading untrue information on the Allies’ sides. Some of the soldiers were caught and shot however. The air force could also not be used as the fog was heavy, which worked in Hitler’s favour. This luck was short lived, only two days. The weather was beginning to clear up and the Allies brought out their air force. Hitler’s plan also depended largely on fuel, fuel they could not present. The Germans began to advance on December 18th but they were in a stalemate. New Year’s presented intense fighting and by mid-July, 1994, German tanks had no fuel that soldiers began to abandon them. Soldiers now made their way on foot back to Germany. These soldiers were easy targets which led them to be casualties of Malmedy Massacre.
The Battle of Bulge was the largest battle the Americans fought in with 600,000 soldiers participating and with 81,000 losses. Germany also lost a lot of soldiers with more than 100,000 captured, wounded or killed.
BATTLE OF BERLIN
Joseph Stalin wanted to end the fighting immediately and was now going to battle with the German forces prepared. He assigned two generals, Zhukoc and Konev. The Soviet forces were heavily advanced in equipment for the battle and though it seemed hopeless to Hitler, he withdrew his army from the western front and had them prepare to fight with Soviet powers.
Lasting between April and May 1945, millions of artillery shells were fired in Berlin and other areas for three weeks as 1 million Russian troops took part in the battle. Russia had large tanks that caused relatively small destruction for the streets of Berlin. The tanks had posed a threat for the German fighters and they were issued with hit-and-run tactics against the tanks. Fighting took over on average streets and the causalities on the Soviet and German forces were both soaring. Russians would completely destroy buildings if a simple bullet came out of it. This led the Germany’s surrender on May 2nd, 1945. Russia lost 80,000 men while 150,000 German troops died in the fighting. A Red Flag was raised on top of the Reichstag which admitted defeat to the Soviet Forces. The fighting in Europe might have ended between the Germans and Soviets but the war was not over yet.
Joseph Stalin wanted to end the fighting immediately and was now going to battle with the German forces prepared. He assigned two generals, Zhukoc and Konev. The Soviet forces were heavily advanced in equipment for the battle and though it seemed hopeless to Hitler, he withdrew his army from the western front and had them prepare to fight with Soviet powers.
Lasting between April and May 1945, millions of artillery shells were fired in Berlin and other areas for three weeks as 1 million Russian troops took part in the battle. Russia had large tanks that caused relatively small destruction for the streets of Berlin. The tanks had posed a threat for the German fighters and they were issued with hit-and-run tactics against the tanks. Fighting took over on average streets and the causalities on the Soviet and German forces were both soaring. Russians would completely destroy buildings if a simple bullet came out of it. This led the Germany’s surrender on May 2nd, 1945. Russia lost 80,000 men while 150,000 German troops died in the fighting. A Red Flag was raised on top of the Reichstag which admitted defeat to the Soviet Forces. The fighting in Europe might have ended between the Germans and Soviets but the war was not over yet.
BATTLE OF MIDWAY
The Battle of Midway was a naval battle fought in the Pacific Ocean between United States and Japan. The battle began on June 4th 1942, and only lasted for four days. Midway, an island that existed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, was located between Asia and North America, a very strategic location. Admiral Yamamoto, Japan’s naval operator, decided to launch a surprise attack on the US aircraft carriers by taking control of the Alaskan Aleutian Islands as a distraction in order from them to attract and bring forth the US fleet. Japan hoped that the attack in the Alaskan Islands would distract the US, and therefore, Japan would be able to take over Midway by air strikes. Japan’s goal was to destroy the US carriers that were undamaged in the Pearl Harbor. The United States, however, was ahead of Japan as they prevented Japanese fleet. The United States began decoding Japanese plans and started to create strategies. The US set up three carriers in front of Midway, meanwhile Japan had four main carriers. In June 4, Japan launched their carriers and sent fighters to Midway; this caused the damage of many aircrafts. Japan faced some opposition; this made them strike again to defeat the defence on Midway. Japan had to rearm their weapons and aircrafts on their carriers. Unfortunately, Japan was unaware of US carriers. The US took the opportunity to attack the Japanese fleet when they were defenceless. The US managed to bomb three carriers. Japan was unable to maintain their spheres of influence in the Pacific; the United States confirmed their power in the Pacific area, confirming Japan’s loss.
The Battle of Midway was a naval battle fought in the Pacific Ocean between United States and Japan. The battle began on June 4th 1942, and only lasted for four days. Midway, an island that existed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, was located between Asia and North America, a very strategic location. Admiral Yamamoto, Japan’s naval operator, decided to launch a surprise attack on the US aircraft carriers by taking control of the Alaskan Aleutian Islands as a distraction in order from them to attract and bring forth the US fleet. Japan hoped that the attack in the Alaskan Islands would distract the US, and therefore, Japan would be able to take over Midway by air strikes. Japan’s goal was to destroy the US carriers that were undamaged in the Pearl Harbor. The United States, however, was ahead of Japan as they prevented Japanese fleet. The United States began decoding Japanese plans and started to create strategies. The US set up three carriers in front of Midway, meanwhile Japan had four main carriers. In June 4, Japan launched their carriers and sent fighters to Midway; this caused the damage of many aircrafts. Japan faced some opposition; this made them strike again to defeat the defence on Midway. Japan had to rearm their weapons and aircrafts on their carriers. Unfortunately, Japan was unaware of US carriers. The US took the opportunity to attack the Japanese fleet when they were defenceless. The US managed to bomb three carriers. Japan was unable to maintain their spheres of influence in the Pacific; the United States confirmed their power in the Pacific area, confirming Japan’s loss.
BATTLE OF STALINGRAD
The Battle of Stalingrad during World War II is considered to be the largest war in World War II with more than two million losses. The battle began in July 17 1942 when the Nazi’s dropped a bomb on the capital of the Soviet Union, Stalingrad. Stalingrad was an important industrial city with a very strategic location. It was located in Southwest Russia on the Volga River. The Germans wanted Stalingrad because it would ease German attacks on the Allied forces. On September 3 1942, Germany sent its 6th army to Stalingrad under the command of Paulus. The Russians were expecting German attack, therefore, they brought strengthened themselves.
During September, the Germans were able to get to the middle of Stalingrad and take a large portion of it, but were not able to gain control over the city and its people. By mid-November, the German army was weakened, therefore, the Soviet Union launched their attack by trapping the German army inside of Stalingrad. By winter, the German soldiers, whom most of their lives were lost, ran out of food and began starving to death. The army weakened from the cold winter and lack of food. Thus, the German army surrendered in February 2 1943. Hitler was angry with General Paulus as he did not expect him to surrender, he expected him to fight till death.
The Battle of Stalingrad during World War II is considered to be the largest war in World War II with more than two million losses. The battle began in July 17 1942 when the Nazi’s dropped a bomb on the capital of the Soviet Union, Stalingrad. Stalingrad was an important industrial city with a very strategic location. It was located in Southwest Russia on the Volga River. The Germans wanted Stalingrad because it would ease German attacks on the Allied forces. On September 3 1942, Germany sent its 6th army to Stalingrad under the command of Paulus. The Russians were expecting German attack, therefore, they brought strengthened themselves.
During September, the Germans were able to get to the middle of Stalingrad and take a large portion of it, but were not able to gain control over the city and its people. By mid-November, the German army was weakened, therefore, the Soviet Union launched their attack by trapping the German army inside of Stalingrad. By winter, the German soldiers, whom most of their lives were lost, ran out of food and began starving to death. The army weakened from the cold winter and lack of food. Thus, the German army surrendered in February 2 1943. Hitler was angry with General Paulus as he did not expect him to surrender, he expected him to fight till death.
PEARL HARBOR
During the 1940’s, Japan and the United States were in great disagreements. In September 1940, the U.S placed an official trade ban on Japan and therefore, United States banned exports into Japan because of its takeover of northern French Indochina. Japan took over Northern French Indochina because they believed taking it over would solve their economic problems and import market. In 1941, Japan occupied Southern Indochina to expand their territory and take over the import market as well. The U.S, Britain, and Netherlands set up trade bans, and restricted Japan from oil, hoping these bans would stop Japan from expanding. The U.S asked Japan to withdraw from China and Indochina, but they did not agree to do so. Therefore, Hideki Tojo, the Japanese prime minister, planned an attack based on the U.S Pacific fleet in the Pearl Harbor. He hoped that an attack on U.S would destroy it’s fleet making the United States accept Japanese domination. But, the Japanese were wrong, the attack on the Pearl Harbor only made the United States become involved in the war.
On December 7th 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, which was next to Hawaii. The American military leaders did not expect an attack on Hawaii; therefore, the facilities at Pearl Harbor were not guarded. The shocking attack lasted for just 120 minutes, but the Japanese managed to destroy a lot. The Japanese military killed more than 2,500 American soldiers, and wounded 1,000. A day after the attack, President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States of America, asked the congress to declare war on Japan. Three days later, Japan became allies with Germany and Italy, and also declared war on the United States. The United States then entered World War Two.
During the 1940’s, Japan and the United States were in great disagreements. In September 1940, the U.S placed an official trade ban on Japan and therefore, United States banned exports into Japan because of its takeover of northern French Indochina. Japan took over Northern French Indochina because they believed taking it over would solve their economic problems and import market. In 1941, Japan occupied Southern Indochina to expand their territory and take over the import market as well. The U.S, Britain, and Netherlands set up trade bans, and restricted Japan from oil, hoping these bans would stop Japan from expanding. The U.S asked Japan to withdraw from China and Indochina, but they did not agree to do so. Therefore, Hideki Tojo, the Japanese prime minister, planned an attack based on the U.S Pacific fleet in the Pearl Harbor. He hoped that an attack on U.S would destroy it’s fleet making the United States accept Japanese domination. But, the Japanese were wrong, the attack on the Pearl Harbor only made the United States become involved in the war.
On December 7th 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, which was next to Hawaii. The American military leaders did not expect an attack on Hawaii; therefore, the facilities at Pearl Harbor were not guarded. The shocking attack lasted for just 120 minutes, but the Japanese managed to destroy a lot. The Japanese military killed more than 2,500 American soldiers, and wounded 1,000. A day after the attack, President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States of America, asked the congress to declare war on Japan. Three days later, Japan became allies with Germany and Italy, and also declared war on the United States. The United States then entered World War Two.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
The Battle of Britain was a very significant battle of the war. Throughout World War II, Germany had conquered all of Europe aside from Britain. Therefore, Hitler aimed to take over Britain, he planned to attack and weaken Britain’s air force, to conquer the country. The Battle commenced on July 10th 1940. Great Britain and Germany continuously fought one another. Both sides lost many fighters, but they did not give up; the Battle lasted many months. Hitler bombed airports and many more but was not able to win over the British air force. This led to his frustration as he began bombing cities in Britain.
As Hitler began bombing cities, he launched an attack on London on September 15 1940. Hitler felt victory, but Britain’s air force strongly resisted and fought back. They shot down many German planes, which made Hitler realize that Britain's air force was stronger than his, therefore, he could not defeat them. The British ended up winning the battle, they won because they had Radars which allowed them to know when the German planes are attacking, this made the British strong and undefeatable.
The Battle of Britain was a very significant battle of the war. Throughout World War II, Germany had conquered all of Europe aside from Britain. Therefore, Hitler aimed to take over Britain, he planned to attack and weaken Britain’s air force, to conquer the country. The Battle commenced on July 10th 1940. Great Britain and Germany continuously fought one another. Both sides lost many fighters, but they did not give up; the Battle lasted many months. Hitler bombed airports and many more but was not able to win over the British air force. This led to his frustration as he began bombing cities in Britain.
As Hitler began bombing cities, he launched an attack on London on September 15 1940. Hitler felt victory, but Britain’s air force strongly resisted and fought back. They shot down many German planes, which made Hitler realize that Britain's air force was stronger than his, therefore, he could not defeat them. The British ended up winning the battle, they won because they had Radars which allowed them to know when the German planes are attacking, this made the British strong and undefeatable.
BATTLE OF FRANCE
In early May of 1940, Germany starts its advance to Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. They managed to bomb air bases that have left the Allies temporarily defenseless. Occupying France as their main goal, Germany sent their troops into two different directions, to the North of France through Belgium, and to the south through Luxembourg’s Ardennes Forest. France began setting up a fortification along their borders called the Maginot Line, hoping it would stop or slow down German troops on land from entering French territory. However, by June, the Germans have entered through the Somme River, Maginot Line, and advanced closer to their main destination, Paris. France requested military aid from the British government, but were rejected as the British had sent troops to help in Belgium but feared too much interference would leave it vulnerable. The French army kept decreasing to half of what it was until the French government signed an armistice with Germany on June 22, 1940.
In early May of 1940, Germany starts its advance to Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. They managed to bomb air bases that have left the Allies temporarily defenseless. Occupying France as their main goal, Germany sent their troops into two different directions, to the North of France through Belgium, and to the south through Luxembourg’s Ardennes Forest. France began setting up a fortification along their borders called the Maginot Line, hoping it would stop or slow down German troops on land from entering French territory. However, by June, the Germans have entered through the Somme River, Maginot Line, and advanced closer to their main destination, Paris. France requested military aid from the British government, but were rejected as the British had sent troops to help in Belgium but feared too much interference would leave it vulnerable. The French army kept decreasing to half of what it was until the French government signed an armistice with Germany on June 22, 1940.
BATTLE OF KURSK
Kursk is an industrial city around 300 miles to the south of Moscow. It was under German occupation from 1941 till 1943 when the Soviets reoccupied it. After the Germans were humiliated in the Russian city of Stalingrad, they wanted to retake Kursk by dividing their troops and heading through the north and south. This way, they would be able to separate or cut off Kursk from the rest of the Soviet land. Hitler wanted to make sure they had enough tanks and military weapons. Their plan started at 3 in the morning of July 4 1943, where they sent a million men and two thousand tanks to the north and south of Kursk. The Germans hoped their element of surprise would help them quickly capture the city, however, both sides participated in a war of attrition, where they fight to wear the other side down first. Both sides severely lost men, however, the Soviets had the advantage of a bigger army and could suppress the loss longer than the Germans did. Hitler ordered German retreat a month after fighting and this battle was the last German offensive on the Eastern front. It was also considered the biggest tank battle ever.
Kursk is an industrial city around 300 miles to the south of Moscow. It was under German occupation from 1941 till 1943 when the Soviets reoccupied it. After the Germans were humiliated in the Russian city of Stalingrad, they wanted to retake Kursk by dividing their troops and heading through the north and south. This way, they would be able to separate or cut off Kursk from the rest of the Soviet land. Hitler wanted to make sure they had enough tanks and military weapons. Their plan started at 3 in the morning of July 4 1943, where they sent a million men and two thousand tanks to the north and south of Kursk. The Germans hoped their element of surprise would help them quickly capture the city, however, both sides participated in a war of attrition, where they fight to wear the other side down first. Both sides severely lost men, however, the Soviets had the advantage of a bigger army and could suppress the loss longer than the Germans did. Hitler ordered German retreat a month after fighting and this battle was the last German offensive on the Eastern front. It was also considered the biggest tank battle ever.