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During 1942-1944, the Allies focused on multiple fronts against the Axis powers, primarily in Europe and the Pacific. Major theaters included Northern Africa, where Allied forces aimed to control the Mediterranean and ultimately invade Italy. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, the U.S. turned the tide against Japan at the Battle of Midway in 1942. The culmination of Allied efforts led to D-Day on June 6, 1944, marking a pivotal moment as forces surged into Normandy. This period was characterized by strategic bombing, shifting battles, and coalition warfare to secure victory.
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The Allies Fight Back 1942-1944
Choosing a Front • Front = the line between two battling armies • 3 main fronts existed (a.k.a Theaters) • Europe – Germany • Africa – Italy/Germany • Asia (Pacific) – Japan • FDR, Churchill, Stalin decided Germany was #1 • Stalin wanted GB/US to invade right away • GB/US: “no invasion until 1944”
Africa • Italy tried to rebuild Roman Empire • Britain landed in N. Africa in 1941 • GB used Medit. For trading with Middle East • Italy Needed Germany’s help • Allies wanted control of Mediterranean Sea to invade Italy • Clear Germany/Italy out of Africa first (enemy behind you?) • Allies/Axis battled back and forth • Finally Allies gained control of Africa
Europe • Allies were not ready to invade Western Europe • Needed time to build up their own forces • Also Wanted to soften up German defenses • bombed cities, factories, and defenses almost daily/nightly • Allied forces did invade Italy in 1943 • Mussolini removed from power by Italian government • Italians fought on both sides for the rest of war
Asia (Pacific) • Largely America vs. Japan • Japan dominated the battles early on • Battle for Midway Island was the turning point (1942) • Japan lost three aircraft carriers (5min) - four total • From that point on….. • Japan was mostly defensive • U.S. “island-hopped” closer and closer to mainland Japan
D-Day • (June 6, 1944) Allies invaded France in a… • Region called Normandy (2 parts) • 1) During the night….. • Thousands of paratroopers landed behind enemy lines • Cut communication lines; slowed German reinforcements; took control of certain roads • 2) Thousands of ships left England and landed in France (approx. 6:30 am) • 155,000 soldiers (US/GB/Can) rushed ashore on the first day • Germans were mostly in cement bunkers • 2,500 Allies were killed on first day • Successful landing; Allies made into Europe
More pictures: http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2009/06/05/the-65th-anniversary-of-d-day-on-the-normandy-beaches/306/