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World War II (4)

World War II (4). Aims, Strategies, & Weapons. Allied Situation in WWII. What is the situation for the Allies in the war when the U.S. joins the fight? Europe? Hitler conquered most of it, invaded Russia Pacific? After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese advances:

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World War II (4)

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  1. World War II (4) Aims, Strategies, & Weapons

  2. Allied Situation in WWII • What is the situation for the Allies in the war when the U.S. joins the fight? • Europe? • Hitler conquered most of it, invaded Russia • Pacific? • After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese advances: • Guam, Wake Island, Hong Kong, Philippines • Cut off all land routes to China • Japan in position to attack India, Australia, & West Coast of US through Midway & Hawaii

  3. Axis vs. Allied Aims & Strategies Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, & Japan) Allied Powers (GB, Soviet Union, USA) • Each had own aim • Vision of their own nation as the dominant power • No coordinated strategy • Did not work together • Example • Italy invaded Greece without telling Hitler • Nazis had to come to Italians rescue • Delayed Hitler’s invasion of Soviet Union for months • Unified Aim • Defeat Hitler • Why? – • Bigger threat • Armies, Industry & Tech • Differed on Strategy • British • “Soften up” Nazis before direct assault • Blockade, bombing, attack weakest points • Soviet (USA) • Direct attack where strongest • Creation of 2nd Front immediately What would be the positives and negatives of each of these strategies?

  4. Allied Strategy • Which strategy do they choose? • By default, the British Strategy • Why? – Complications with preparation of massive amphibious invasion into France • What are some of the effects of this decision? • Russians on their own fighting Germany for 2 years • Millions of Casualties (civilian & military) • Bitter Feelings (Think beginning of the Cold War) • Holocaust – Jews face Hitler’s “Final Solution” • For the US, What about Japan? • “Hold the Line” and make what gains possible until able to devote all resources • Mainly the U.S. on their own

  5. New Ways of Fighting • Problems in the way WWI was fought • Trenches + New Tech = no movement & many deaths • Old tactics used by Generals • New Developments • Aircraft – specific types • (bombers, fighters, transports, etc.) • Aircraft Carriers – Air Power + Naval Power = • more important than battle ships (longer strike range) • Paratroopers – • Air Power + Infantry = land behind enemy lines, dangerous • Tanks – faster, lighter – more effective than WWI • Radar / Sonar – Developed & used by GB & US • Implications? • V2 Rocket – 1st ballistic missile

  6. Nazi Germany's Blitzkrieg • Why was it successful? • Other nations invested in “old” tech (forts, stationary artillery) • Germany invested in new tech – (aircraft, tanks, etc.) • Elements of Blitzkrieg • Massive Air Support / Superiority – • soften up enemy, attack supply lines & communication centers • Tank/Armored Concentrations – • Overwhelm enemy at weakest point, break lines, 1-2 punch w/ air • Paratroopers – • capture key targets (bridges) to keep German advance going • Radio – • in tanks & aircraft, communication to control situation • Initiative & Surprise – • “shock & awe” – confuse, intimidate, overwhelm • Limitations • Effective for short-range, short-term offensives • Germans did not plan well enough for logistical needs (supplies, repairs, fuel, etc.) in long-term, long-range offensives

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