GERMANY’S COLLAPSE

Hitler’s Last Stand

World War II

1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945

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D-Day

GermanySurrenders

PolandInvasion

France Falls

Battle of Britain

InvasionSovietUnion

Battle ofStalingrad &Operation Torch

Battle ofMidway

PearlHarbor

D-Day--June 6th 1944— How would Hitler respond?

Germans initially retreats

After D-Day

Prepares for next battle

“This battle is to decide whether we shall live or die” Adolf Hitler

December 1944

Battle of the Bulge

• After D-day defeat, Germany launches counterattack – When: Dec 1944 – Jan 1945

– Goal: defeat allies & push for a favorable peace treaty

• Short term victory for Germany:– Surprise & poor weather were key factors

– Allies initially retreat

Hitler’s Last Stand600,000 Troops!

Battle of the Bulge

German Soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes

Over 500,000 Americans Fight

81,000 US deaths

Germany retreats & Allies rush to Berlin

Largest land battle for the USA during WWII

Battle of the Bulge

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pttlm1DcWzk

Bombing of Dresden

• Feb. 1945- British & American Bombers completely destroy German city

• 35,000-100,000 killed

Was this necessary?

Dresden is still controversial today! Did the Allies go too far?

Race to Berlin (April 1945)

• By April Allies race towards Berlin

• Soviets approach from East – 6 million troops

• U.S. troops approach from West – 3 million troops

Berlin

U.S. in Transition

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies (April 12th 1945)

• Harry Truman becomes President

Hitler’s Death

• May 1st, 1945 Hitler commits suicide

“I myself and my wife choose to die in order to escape the disgrace… of capitulation…..”I die with a happy heart”

May 7th -Germany signs unconditional surrender