Key Battles of World War II to Know for Camp Fiveable

These notes cover key battles of World War II that shaped the course of history. From Stalingrad to D-Day, each battle played a crucial role in the fight against Axis powers, highlighting strategic victories and the resilience of Allied forces.

1. Battle of Stalingrad

   • Marked a turning point in the Eastern Front, with the Soviet Union decisively defeating the German Army.
   • The battle lasted from August 1942 to February 1943, characterized by brutal urban warfare and high casualties.
   • The encirclement of German forces led to the surrender of approximately 91,000 troops, significantly weakening German morale.

2. D-Day (Operation Overlord)

   • Launched on June 6, 1944, it was the largest amphibious invasion in history, aimed at liberating Western Europe from Nazi control.
   • Allied forces landed on five beachheads in Normandy, France, facing fierce German resistance.
   • The success of D-Day established a crucial foothold for Allied forces in Europe, leading to the liberation of Paris and the eventual defeat of Germany.

3. Battle of Midway

   • Fought from June 4-7, 1942, it was a pivotal naval battle in the Pacific Theater that shifted the balance of power in favor of the Allies.
   • The U.S. Navy, using intelligence to anticipate Japanese movements, sank four Japanese aircraft carriers.
   • This victory halted Japanese expansion in the Pacific and marked the beginning of a series of offensive operations by the Allies.

4. Battle of Britain

   • Occurring from July to October 1940, it was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
   • The Royal Air Force successfully defended the UK against large-scale attacks by the German Luftwaffe.
   • The battle demonstrated that air power could be decisive, preventing a German invasion of Britain and boosting Allied morale.

5. Battle of the Bulge

   • Last major German offensive on the Western Front, launched in December 1944, aimed at splitting Allied forces and capturing Antwerp.
   • The surprise attack created a "bulge" in the Allied front lines but ultimately failed due to fierce resistance and logistical issues.
   • The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides but depleted German resources and hastened the end of the war in Europe.

6. Battle of Moscow

   • Fought from October 1941 to January 1942, it was a critical Soviet defense against the German invasion.
   • The Soviet counteroffensive in December 1941 marked the first major defeat of the German Army, halting their advance toward the Soviet capital.
   • The battle showcased the resilience of the Red Army and the harsh winter conditions that affected both sides.

7. Battle of El Alamein

   • Fought in North Africa from October to November 1942, it marked a significant turning point in the North African campaign.
   • Allied forces, led by British General Bernard Montgomery, defeated the German-Italian army commanded by General Erwin Rommel.
   • The victory at El Alamein halted Axis advances into Egypt and paved the way for Allied operations in North Africa.

8. Battle of Kursk

   • Occurring in July and August 1943, it was the largest tank battle in history and a decisive Soviet victory.
   • The battle marked the last major German offensive on the Eastern Front, with the Soviets successfully defending against the attack.
   • The victory at Kursk allowed the Red Army to take the initiative and launch a series of offensives that would lead to the liberation of Soviet territory.

9. Battle of Iwo Jima

   • Fought from February to March 1945, it was a critical battle in the Pacific Theater for control of the island.
   • U.S. Marines faced fierce resistance from Japanese forces entrenched in fortified positions, resulting in heavy casualties.
   • The capture of Iwo Jima provided the U.S. with a strategic base for air operations against Japan and symbolized American determination.

10. Battle of Pearl Harbor

    • Occurred on December 7, 1941, when Japan launched a surprise military strike against the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
    • The attack resulted in significant losses, including the sinking of battleships and the destruction of aircraft, leading to over 2,400 American deaths.
    • The event prompted the United States to formally enter World War II, galvanizing public support for the war effort.