Operation Overlord (D-Day) by Rjis

Where was the battle and how did geography play a factor?

rjis98 — 2015-01-22 19:17:36 UTC

The battle Operation Overlord, D-day, was fought on the beaches of Normandy, France. The Allies chose this area because of the potential landing beaches, open area, and because their first choice, Pas-De-Calais, was so overtaken by The Germans that it would have been impossible to ever break through. One of the main reasons that Normandy was chosen was the easy landing beaches, but many boat drivers refused to get all the way up to the beach in fear of being shot; that led to many soldiers drowning attempting to make it to shore. In the open area it was very easy for German snipers to pick off American troops.

Danzer, Gerald A. "17-2." The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21st Century. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2005. N. pag. Print

Why was the battle fought and what were the strategic goals?

christopher_she — 2015-01-22 19:32:17 UTC

Operation Overlord, or D-Day, was planned out by the allied forces to gain back France. France had been controlled by the Germans for awhile. The attack was also the starting point in where the allies would attempt to push back the German forces into Germany. Operation Overlord was a surprise attack on the beaches of Normandy. The allies chose to have their attack on Normandy, oppose to The Pas de Calais because an attack there would be expected, and it was also heavily defended.

"Operation Overlord". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.

What strategies did each of the groups involved use to try wining?

christopher_she — 2015-01-23 17:55:27 UTC

The allies needed an access point to France , that would maximize their chances of success, but minimize the risk to lives and military assets. The allies also used a variety of misinformation techniques. They had Hitler thinking that there was going to be an attack that was going to happen, but not in France. They had Hitler believing that they would be bringing forces from Scotland and were going to attack Norway. The allies had won the battle of minds, and were set to make Germany fight yet another two-front war.

http://strategybydesign.org/d-day-and-the-normandy-invasio/

"D-Day and the Normandy Invasion | Strategic Thinking and Operational Strategy." D-Day and the Normandy Invasion | Strategic Thinking and Operational Strategy. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2015.

How did this battle influence the outcome of the war? What was its signifigance?

christopher_she — 2015-01-23 18:01:48 UTC

The invasion of Normandy was the start of the end for the Germans in World War Two, causing them to have to fight yet another two-front war. After the liberation of France, the allies continued to push eastward, corralling the Germans back into Germany. Meanwhile, in the west, the Soviets were also pushing Germany back within their boarders. Soon the allies and the Soviets would basically racing each other to the German capitol of Berlin

"D-Day and the German Surrender." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2015.

Who were the groups and leaders involved in the fighting?

rjis98 — 2015-01-23 19:04:48 UTC

The groups involved into combat were: The Americans, British , Canadians, Czech, Australians, Dutch, Free France, Greek, Belgians, New Zealand, Norwegians, and Polish versus The Germans. The Allies main generals were America's Omar Bradley and Britain's Miles Dempsey. The Allies used their Navy, Military, and their Air Force. Their Air Force flew behind enemy lines and dropped off paratroopers the night before the invasion.

Danzer, Gerald A. "17-2." The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21st Century. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2005. N. pag. Print

Wikipedia. N.p., 19 Jan. 2015. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Normandy_landings>.