World War II: Investigating the Different Battles

Axis vs. Allies - The World at War

World War II was a devastating conflict that involved a massive geographic area.  We will not explore all of the different battles, but rather, choose a few key battles to investigate closely, and explore how the war was eventually won, in each theatre. 

World War II officially began with Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.  Canada waited a week to declare war, until an official vote in the House of Commons approved our involvement.  However, Hitler expansion was fast and furious.

In today's class, we explored the basic overview of World War II, as well as its significance.  For example, the different theatres in which it was fought, the impact that the fighting had on civilian populations, and the fact that WWII set the world up for the beginning of the Cold War, which would continue for over 4 decades, after WWII was over. 

We also discussed the key alliances, world leaders, and the turning point battles in each theatre. 

In today's class, we watched a brief overview of World War II, by Simple History.  Here it is, in case you wanted to watch it a second time. 

Want to know more?  Optional - watch these summaries of World War II, to help familiarize you with the different details. 

WW2 Oversimplified Part 1 and there is also a Part 2, if you enjoy it. 

• Key Question to think about while watching: which aspects of World War II are most interesting to you?  Ex. the technology? The military strategy? the human elements of the home front? 
• See if you can recognize the different "waves" of the war  - ex. Hitler's early expansion, the war spreading, then the tide turning in Europe.  Same thing in the Pacific. 

Focus: European Theatre & North African Theatre

You will get a chance to study one theatre of the war in detail, as you research the different battles and nature of war in that region.  For today, you will explore one battle in the European Theatre or North African Theatre in more detail. 

STEP 1 - Explore the 'Turning Point' battle in Europe more closely.  Watch the following video clip and take notes: 

 Battle of Stalingrad film clip - this would mark the beginning of the 'end' for Hitler's forces, as he loses his best troops, best equipment, best leadership, and also has trapped his forces deep in Russian territory, in the middle of winter. 

Once you are finished, you will do the following 


LEARNING ACTIVITY: TO BE POSTED ON TEAMS TONIGHT

TASK:

Step 1. Choose a battle or conflict or mission that was part of the European theatre from 1939-1945 (its fine to choose a battle we haven't studied specifically).  It can be on land, or part of the Battle of the Skies (ex. the Blitz), or the Battle of the Atlantic (ex. Capture of U-571 U-boat).  

Here are some websites with key battles that you might choose - focus on European theatre.  Here are some suggestions of battles you might choose: 

Winter War (Battle in Norway and Finland at the start of the war)

The 'Blitz' and Battle of Britain (mainly an airforce, bombing battle)

Battle of Stalingrad (turning point of WWII)

Dunkirk rescue mission (defeat for Allies, but shows community and resilience of troops)

D-Day - Battle of Normandy (encourage you to choose Juno, the Canadian beach)

Battle of the Kursk (largest tank battle) 

Battle of Berlin (end of the war in Europe)

Battle of El Alamein (Turning of North African Theatre)

Here are some websites to help you: 

European Theatre
World War II list of battles

Step 2. Research the basic details (Who, What, Where, When) and the purpose for the battle - what was each side trying to achieve?  Describe the outcome - who won, who lost, casualties, etc.  Then, explain its significance.  Why is this battle important?  What can we learn from this event?  

 Step 3. Edit your work, do a spell-check and grammar check, and then post AN IMAGE + YOUR DESCRIPTION to Microsoft Teams.  Go to B. WWII Battles Channel and post your assignment below Ms. Sawatsky's example.  Note - to go down a line when you post - type "shift+enter" to format your post and not have it post immediately.