WWII: Major Battles Chart

Name: ______________________________________ Block: ____________ Date: __________________________ WWII: Major Battles Chart Directions: Use the following two sites, Major Battles of World War 2 (thoughtco.com) and Major Battles Of World War II (WW2) - WorldAtlas as well as any additional sources necessary to complete the chart below. Circle the victor for each battle, tell what happened (summary) and why this battle was significant. Lastly, plot the location of each battle and label it on the map provided. You can use the atlas in your text or the internet to assist. If you wish to create an icon for each event, mark the icon on the chart next to the specific battle. For an Allied victory, shade it red. For an Axis victory, shade it blue. WWII in Europe Battle Summary Significance (Who fought? Where? When? What was the outcome?) (What was it like for the soldiers? How did it impact the overall outcome of the war?) The Battle of Britain was a WWII military campaign involving the RAF and Nazi Germany, fought from July 10 to October 31, 1940, securing the UK's defense against Luftwaffe attacks. Combat injuries, psychological trauma, battle fatigue, social disruption, and emotional scars can lead to physical injuries, PTSD symptoms, battle fatigue, societal changes, and emotional impact on family life. Battle of Britain Year: 1940 Location: British Airspace Victor: Allies Axis Battle of Stalingrad Year: 1941-1944 The Battle of Stalingrad, fought between Location: Modern-day Nazi Germany and Axis allies, was a pivotal fighting in Stalingrad was characterized by its intense, conflict on the Eastern Front of World War close-quarters combat within the city. city of Volgograd, Russia II, marking a decisive Soviet victory. Victor: Allies Axis Battle of the Bulge Year: 1944 Location: Belgium The Battle of the Bulge, fought in the Ardennes region between December 1944 and January 1945, saw the Allies defeat the German offensive, despite initial surprise and counterattacks. The Battle of the Bulge, a surprise German offensive during a harsh winter, weakened Allied forces and accelerated their eventual defeat, as soldiers endured constant bombardment, close-quarters combat, and the threat of death or capture. On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy, France, marking the start of a larger operation to liberate Western Europe from German occupation, despite heavy resistance and casualties. D-Day, a brave and difficult day involving thousands of soldiers, resulted in the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Germany, marking a significant step towards ending the war in Europe. The Soviet Red Army led the battle against German forces defending Berlin from April 16, 1945, until May 2, 1945, marking the final weeks of the European war. The battle was a brutal, street-by-street, hand-to-hand battle involving snipers, artillery, and constant threat of death or injury, despite the German defenders' often poor equipment and demoralized state. Victor: Allies Axis D-Day (Invasion of Normandy) Year: 1944 Location: Normandy, France Victor: Allies Axis Battle of Berlin Year: 1945 Location: Germany Victor: Allies Axis WWII in the Pacific Battle Summary (Who fought? Where? When? What was the outcome? Significance (What was it like for the soldiers? How did it impact the overall outcome of the war?) Battle of Midway Year: 1942 Location: Naval Battle around the US island of Midway The US won a Pacific Ocean battle against Japan, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and losing only one. The Battle of Midway marked a pivotal moment in the Pacific War, shifting the war's focus from Japan to the United States. Despite thousands of casualties, the victory shifted the tide. The brutal campaign from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943, between the United States and Japan, marked by fierce fighting on land, sea, and air. The battle marked a pivotal moment in the Pacific War, shifting the initiative from Japan to the Allies, causing widespread suffering and costly battles on land, sea, and air. Victor: Allies Axis Battle of Guadalcanal Year: 1942-1943 Location: On and around the island of Guadalcanal Victor: Allies Axis Battle of Iwo Jima Year: 1945 Location: Iwo Jima island (SE of Japan) The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought between the United States and Japan from February 19March 26, 1945, resulted in a U.S. victory, despite high costs. Iwo Jima was crucial for U.S. bombers, providing a landing strip for refueling, and the iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during WWII. Victor: Allies Axis Battle of Okinawa Year: 1945 Location: Japan The Allies captured Okinawa, a crucial island, The Allied forces, primarily the US, fought on marking the final major battle of the Pacific War, Okinawa Island in a decisive 82-day battle resulting in widespread suffering and from April 1 to June 22, 1945, capturing the psychological effects among the soldiers island and causing heavy Japanese losses. involved. Victor: Allies Axis Hiroshima & Nagasaki Year: 1945 Location: Cities in Japan Victor: Allies Axis The Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, conducted by the US against Japan, resulted in the deaths of 80,000 and thousands more later due to radiation exposure. The bombings, along with the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan, are widely credited with Japan's surrender, ending World War II.