Although many events helped shape the outcome of World War II, the Normandy Landings was a major turning point as it led the Allies to victory and one step closer to the end of the war.
The Normandy Landings, more commonly referred to as D-day was a strategic sea based operation devised by former General Dwight Eisenhower to invade Normandy, France which was occupied by German troops. The main objectives of the attack were addressed in an order written by Eisenhower to the troops participating in the attack, “You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.”[2]
On June 6, 1944 under the order of General Eisenhower about 200,000 troops from the Allied powers including America, Canada, and Great Britain began the invasion. In addition to troops there were parachutists, planes, and ships. The five beaches attacked during the invasion were Utah and Omaha by the United States, Gold and Sword Beach by Great Britain, and Juno Beach by Canada. [3] Germany however, was oblivious to the location that the assault would take place, and was almost certain the location was in Calais, Great Britain. This deception gave the Allies and edge over victory.[4]
On June 18, 1944, the Los Angeles Times reported casualties totaling to about 15,883 since the invasion began. [5]As the battle continued the Allies were able fight their way towards inner Europe and broke Hitler’s fortress. A second front in Europe was also established that forced German armies to retreat eastward by August 1944.[6] The Allies had executed one of the most historical military invasions ever seen
After the defeat of D-day, Germany was desperate and not ready to give up. As the Allies had conquered freedom for most of Europe, Germany promptly prepared a last attack in efforts to drive them out. Using all of their military forces, Germany began the Battle of the Bulge which resulted in their official surrender and the end of World War II.[7] The Normandy landings in essence were the beginning of the end of World War II devastating Germany’s efforts to conquer Europe and leading the Allies to overall victory.
[1] “World War II History.” Last Modified 2009. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history.
[2] Eisenhower. June 1944. D-day statement to soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
[3] “World War II History.” Last Modified 2009. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history.
[4] "D-DAY: JUNE 6, 1944:" Accessed April 7, 2015.http://www.nationalww2museum.org/learn/education/for-students/ww2-history/d-day-june-6-1944.html.
[5] "American Casualties in France Total 15,883." Los Angeles Times, June 18, 1944. Accessed April7, 2015.
[6] Eric Foner, In Give Me Liberty!: An American History, 913. Seagull Third ed. Vol. 2. New York, New York: W.W. Norton, 2012.
[7] “World War II History.” Last Modified 2009. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history.