World War II (4)
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Transcript World War II (4)
Aims, Strategies, &
Weapons
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
Axis Powers
Allied Powers
(Germany, Italy, & Japan)
(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
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
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
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