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D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy
Over 150,000 Allied troops landed on five of France's beaches and destroyed German defenses. This event was important because the Allies had started the invasion of France. -
Liberation of Paris
The French resistance caused an uprising in Paris which caused the German governor to make a truce with the rebels. When the Allied forces arrived at Paris, the governor surrendered. This was important because it officially liberated France from German occupation. -
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Allied Offensive in the Saar Valley
General Patton led the Allies against the German defenses in the Saar Valley. The Allies broke through in several places which allowed the Allies access points across the Saar river. This event was important because the Allies now had an entry point into Germany. -
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The Battle of the Bulge
The Germans made a push into Allied territory through the Ardennes causing a bulge in the lines. Some Allied forces were cut off and, due to bad weather, air support was not possible. Patton brought men and managed to stop the German advance and regain all the lost territory. This was important because it showed that Germans were not able to make as strong of offensives anymore. -
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Closing of the Ruhr Pocket
The Allied forces surrounded a large German army in the Ruhr pocket that cut them off from escape. 325,000 German soldiers surrendered. This was important because it effectivly crippled the German army in the west to the point of not being able to fight anymore. -
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The Battle of Berlin
The Soviet Union attacked Berlin and began to push the Germans back. Hitler commited suicide and the city surrendered to the Allies. Five days later, Germany surrendered. This was important because it marked the end of the fighting in Europe.
