World War Two Essential Questions

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts discussed in the lecture on World War II, focusing on campaigns, strategies, and significant events.

North African Campaign

A military campaign in World War II that was crucial for the Allies, focusing on the struggle for control in North Africa.

Blitzkrieg

A German military tactic that involves fast and powerful attacks, prioritizing speed and surprise.

Operation Barbarossa

Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, which ultimately failed due to tactical mistakes and harsh winter conditions.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marked as a pivotal turning point in WWII.

Island Hopping

A military strategy employed by the U.S. in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, capturing key islands while bypassing others.

Rattenkrieg

A type of urban warfare characterized by close-quarters, street-to-street fighting, notably used in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Soft Underbelly

A term describing the perceived vulnerabilities of the Axis Powers in Southern Europe, specifically Italy and the Balkans.

VE Day

Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender.

Kasserine Pass

A battle in Tunisia during WWII, notable for U.S. forces' initial defeat and subsequent lessons learned about tactics and strategy.

Caldron Battles

A German tactic on the Eastern Front involving encirclement and destruction of enemy forces, differing from Blitzkrieg strategies.