-
Period: to
Defining Moments in Europe
-
Rome ~ Berlin Axis Signed
The Rome ~ Berlin Axis alliance agreement was signed in 1936 by dictators of Germany and Italy. The agreement was also known as the Pact of Steel and allied the Axis countries of Germany and Italy. Japan also joined after signing the Anti-Comintern Pact. -
Munich Conference
The Munich Conference was held in Germany between countries: Germany, France, Britain, and Italy. The British Prime Minister wanted to preserve peace by giving into Hitler. The Sudetenland was now in Germany's possession. Less than six months later, German troops took over Czechoslovakia without resistance. -
Non-Aggression Pact
Non-Aggression Pact between Russia and Germany was signed on August 23, 1939. Even though both Hitler and Stalin knew the pact was a scam they both still agreed to sign it. By signing the pact, it bought Stalin more time to build up his army. It also benefited Hitler by giving him ability to focus on defeating the West. -
Winston Churchhill Becomes Prime Minister
Winston Churchill became the prime minister of Great Britain in May 1940. He was a key to the success of Great Britain. He convinced the British people to never surrender to Germany through rallies and speeches. Winston Churchill said in a speech, ¨We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets… we shall never surrender.¨ -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain between Germany's Luftwaffe and Britain's RAF started in June 1940. The aerial combat was fought over the English Channel and radar used by Britain was used to detect German planes. After the accidental bombing of London, Britain retaliated. Then the Germans came up with the strategy known as the Blitz to bomb British cities into submission. After Hitler realized that Germany could not win he gave up, giving the Allies a staging area for an invasion. -
Atlantic Charter
The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration issued between Roosevelt and Churchill. They secretly met on August 9th on a battleship called Newfoudland. Even though the United States had not yet officially entered the war, the Atlantic Charter allowed free trade among nations. -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was bombed on December 7, 1941 by Japan. Before the bombing, the United States claimed to be isolated from the war. After, the United States publicly stated that they were joining the Allied side. The Allies now could get more men, supplies, and support from America and defeat the Axis Powers. -
Atlantic Wall Starts Being Built
The Atlantic Wall started being built in 1942 since Germany knew the Allies would try to invade. General Erwin Rommel from Germany was assigned to build up the Atlantic Wall, knowing it was the best defense for Germany. The major problem was that Rommel didn't know where the Allies were going to invade so they had to build the wall over 2,000 miles. He focused most of his defense on English Channel since it was the shortest distance from Britain to the rest of Europe. However, he was wrong. -
Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes Supreme Allied Commander
In December of 1943, it was announced that Dwight D. Eisenhower would be the Supreme Allied Commander. His nickname was ¨Ike¨ and he kept the egos of generals in the armies under control. Also, he was a key to the Allies success because he prepared the soldiers for the invasion and made them believe in a common goal which was to defeat Germany. -
D-Day
D-Day also known as Operation Overlord was executed on June 6, 1944. The Allies invaded the beaches of Normandy to gain a foothold into Europe. Great Britain, Canada, and the United States invaded the beaches with 5 sections: Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold, and Sword. D-Day signaled the beginning of the end for Germany as the Allies took back Europe and made their way to Berlin.
