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Japan attacks Allied forces who have advanced in the Pacific Theater to the Marianas Islands in the war's largest aircraft carrier battle. Battle of the Philippine Sea: June 19-20, 1944 It’s seen as a failure for the Allies, although it does keep German troops from moving to France in the days before the invasion at Normandy. However, continued Axis resistance and counter-attacks ensue, resulting in a stalemate that doesn't end until the fall of Rome. READ MORE: Italian Campaign Battle of Anzio: January 22 to June 5, 1944Īttempting to liberate Italy, the Allies land at Anzio, catching the Germans by surprise and quickly securing a beachhead during Operation Shingle. Polish troops capture the abbey on May 18, leading the way for the Allied capture of Rome soon after. However, in a bomber attack by the Allies, the abbey is destroyed, leading to public outcry and, post-bombing, as shelter for the Nazis. Evacuated by the Germans, both sides tell the Vatican it will not be attacked or used in military operations. READ MORE: Russians halt German advance in a decisive battle at Kursk Battle of Monte Cassino: January 17 to May 18, 1944Īdvancing in Italy toward Rome, the Allies attack the Gustav Line, held by the Axis, at the mountain town of Monte Cassino, home to a Benedictine abbey dating to 524 A.D. In its last blitzkrieg offensive, Germany attacks the Red Army near Kursk, Russia, but due to delays and the cracking of the German Wehrmacht code, the Soviets are prepared and keep Hitler from conquering Russia. Military history's largest tank battle takes place on the Eastern Front involving an estimated 6,000 tanks, 4,000 aircraft and 2 million soldiers. Eisenhower Spun a Humiliating WWII Defeat into Winning Military Strategy Battle of Kursk, July 5 to August 23, 1943 The victory is touted by Winston Churchill as the "end of the beginning." Eisenhower leads attacks on Oran, Algiers and Casablanca before advancing on Tunis and causing the Vichy French to realign with the Allies. The Allies invade French North Africa in an attempt to draw the Axis away from Soviet attacks on the Eastern Front and gain control of the Mediterranean shipping lanes. READ MORE: Battle of Stalingrad Operation Torch: November 8-16, 1942 The Allies lose 29 ships and 7,100 soldiers.Ģ010 Street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi self-immolates in Tunisia, igniting the Arab Spring
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But with reinforcements arriving, hand-to-hand jungle combat follows with Japan finally retreating six months later, with 31,000 casualties and the loss of 38 ships. forces launch a surprise attack, taking control of the airfield and forcing the Japanese into initial retreat. Weeks after Japan begins building a strategic airfield on Guadalcanal, part of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, U.S.
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READ MORE: 5 Things You Might Not Know About the Battle of Midway Battle of the Guadalcanal Campaign: Augto February 9, 1943 forces, including dive bombers, attack, sinking four of Japan's aircraft carriers and the victory serves as a turning point in the conflict. In one of America's most important World War II naval wins, American intelligence is able to break codes to thwart a Japanese attack on the US. WATCH: Battle of Midway Tactical Overview - World War II With nearly 4,000 Allies and more than 3,000 Germans killed, however, Hitler decries "the day of the parachutist is over" and it is the country's last airborne campaign. Day one of the campaign results in heavy losses for the Germans, but fearing a sea assault, Allied forces soon withdraw and evacuate in defeat. Nazi paratroopers invade the Greek island of Crete, marking history's first mostly airborne attack. READ MORE: 10 Surprising Facts About the Battle of Britain Battle of Crete: May 20 to June 1, 1941 Defense systems, including radar, and Hitler's decision to bomb London, rather than military bases, allows Britain to regroup and eventually win the battle. READ MORE: These Photos Depict the 'Miracle of Dunkirk' That Saved 338,000 Lives Battle of Britain, July 10 to October 31, 1940Īfter a nearly four-month air campaign waged over England, Britain's Royal Air Force and Navy respond to heavy bombing attacks from Germany's Luftwaffe air force, including “ the Blitz,” in an attempt to destroy the RAF before invading.