Allied Strategy and Germany First Plan

A strategic alliance formed between the United States and Great Britain during World War II, focusing on defeating Germany first before shifting resources to the Pacific.

A series of naval battles fought in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II, primarily between German U-boats and Allied ships.

Groups of ships traveling together for mutual protection, primarily used by the Allies during World War II to defend against German submarine attacks.

A crucial sea route connecting North America to Great Britain, vital for supplying Britain with food and war materials during World War II.

German submarines, known for their effectiveness during World War II, especially in the Battle of the Atlantic.

A term describing the intense period of submarine attacks by Germany on Allied ships, particularly in the early stages of World War II.

The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, marking the official entry of the United States into World War II.

A term referring to the allied forces, primarily the United States and Great Britain, during World War II.

The invasion of Normandy by Allied forces, also known as D-Day, was a large and complex military operation that aimed to liberate France from Nazi occupation. The success of D-Day helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.

The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive launched in December 1944, aiming to retake the Belgian port of Antwerp. It resulted in a heavy loss of German troops and resources, weakening their ability to continue fighting.

The Battle of the Bulge was a turning point in the war due to the significant losses sustained by the German forces. The loss of troops, tanks, and aircraft made it increasingly difficult for Germany to continue fighting and eventually led to their defeat.

The Allies, primarily the United States and Great Britain, launched a massive invasion of France in June 1944, codenamed Operation Overlord, to liberate France from Nazi occupation. This successful invasion marked a turning point in the war.

General George Patton was an American commander during World War II, recognized for his daring tactics and aggressive leadership. He played a vital role in the liberation of France and is remembered as a key figure in the Allied victory.

The American public's desire to see the war through to an end and avoid a change in leadership during wartime played a significant role in the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt for an unprecedented fourth term in 1944.

Hitler's desperate attempt to recapture the Belgian port of Antwerp through the Battle of the Bulge aimed to cut off Allied supply lines and undermine their morale. This bold move, however, ultimately failed and resulted in significant losses for the German forces.

The Allies, primarily the United States and Great Britain, successfully freed France, Belgium, and Luxembourg by September 1944, marking a significant advance in their war effort.

The Allied strategy of using convoys, destroyers with sonar, and airplanes with radar to combat German U-boats in the Atlantic.

A turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic where Allied ship production surpassed losses to German U-boats, giving the Allies control of the sea lanes.

A major industrial city on the Volga River, strategically vital for the Soviet Union.

The German air force, responsible for bombing raids during World War II.

The German offensive in the Southern Soviet Union in 1942, aimed at capturing oil fields in the Caucasus Mountains and eliminating Stalingrad.

The turning point in World War II on the Eastern Front, where the Red Army successfully defended Stalingrad and inflicted a decisive defeat on the German forces.

Hitler's refusal to allow his trapped forces in Stalingrad to retreat, leading to their eventual surrender.

The surrender of the German troops in Stalingrad on January 31, 1943, after months of brutal fighting and heavy losses.

The staggering number of Soviet soldiers, over 1.1 million, that died defending Stalingrad during the battle.

The westward movement of the Soviet army following their victory at Stalingrad, pushing towards Germany.

A photograph capturing the grim reality faced by German prisoners of war after months of struggle in Stalingrad, highlighting the harsh conditions endured by soldiers.

The brutal warfare methods employed by the German army during the Battle of Stalingrad, exemplified by the house-to-house fighting and destruction.

The impact of winter on the Battle of Stalingrad, providing an advantage to the Soviets while exacerbating the plight of the German forces.

The strategic importance of Stalingrad as a key industrial center, making it a crucial target for the German forces.

An all-Chicano unit that became one of the most decorated units of the war.

American citizens of Japanese descent, whose parents had emigrated from Japan.

The 100th Battalion, formed from Hawaiian Nisei, was known for its bravery and earned the nickname 'Purple Heart Battalion' for its heavy casualties.

An all-Nisei unit, formed by merging the 100th Battalion with other Nisei troops, which eventually became the most decorated unit in U.S. history.

The code name for the Allied invasion of Normandy, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

The first group of African American pilots trained at the Tuskegee Institute, which earned numerous decorations for its bravery and skills in air combat.

The day the Allied invasion of Normandy began, on June 6th, 1944, marking a turning point in World War II.

The supreme commander of the Allied forces for the invasion of Normandy, who planned and led the operation.

The commander of the American forces during the invasion of Normandy, known for his leadership and strategic skills.

A diversionary tactic employed by the Allies to deceive the Germans about the location of the invasion, by creating a phantom army near Calais.

The main landing beach for the American forces during the invasion of Normandy.

The first day of the Allied invasion of Normandy, on June 6th, 1944, which saw the largest land-sea-air operation in army history.

A simple signaling device used by American paratroopers during D-Day to help them locate each other in the dark.

A major conference in Tehran, Iran, during which the Allied leaders, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, discussed their strategies for winning World War II by coordinating their efforts.

A major outcome of the Tehran Conference, where the Soviets agreed to launch a major offensive against Germany from the east, while the Western Allies planned to invade Normandy.

The Allied invasion of Axis-controlled North Africa, beginning in November 1942, this operation aimed to secure vital Mediterranean shipping lanes, protect British oil supplies, and eventually drive German forces out of North Africa.

A major battle between British and German forces in North Africa in 1942. The British victory pushed the Germans back and shifted momentum in favor of the Allies.

The surrender of the Axis forces in North Africa, marking a significant Allied victory. This event occurred after months of intense fighting.

The agreement between Allied leaders Roosevelt and Churchill to only accept unconditional surrender from the Axis powers. This meant the Axis would have to surrender on the Allies' terms, with no negotiation.

The invasion of Sicily in 1943, marking the beginning of the Italian campaign. This Allied victory led to Mussolini's resignation and further weakened the Axis.

The harsh battle fought near Rome in 1944. The Allies faced fierce German resistance, resulting in heavy casualties.

The first all-black American air force squadron fighting in World War II. They achieved great success in aerial combat against the German Luftwaffe.

The legendary African-American infantry division that fought bravely in Europe during World War II. They were known for their courage and determination.

The surrender of German forces in Italy in 1945. This marked the end of the Italian campaign and contributed to the final Allied victory.

A military commendation awarded for outstanding performance by a unit during combat. The Tuskegee Airmen earned this honor twice for their skill and bravery.

A military medal presented for bravery and valor displayed during combat. Several Mexican-American soldiers were honored with this prestigious award.

The term used to describe the British forces fighting against the Axis in North Africa. They were led by Erwin Rommel, a brilliant and daring general.

The British general who commanded the Allied forces in North Africa. He played a key role in the victory against the Axis powers.

The term used to describe the Mediterranean sea lanes. The British depended on them for transporting oil from the Middle East via the Suez Canal.

The German general who commanded the Afrika Korps in North Africa during World War II. He was known for his daring tactics and earned the nickname "Desert Fox."

The term used to describe the strategic location of North Africa, which provided the British with access to oil from the Middle East via the Suez Canal. The control of this territory was crucial for both sides.