1.2 B US in the European Theater

Military Engagement

• American forces participated in major campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe. 

• Notable operations include the D-Day invasion of Normandy (June 1944) and the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945)

• 16 million served; played a CRITICAL ROLE IN EUROPE

Battles US participated in

1. D-Day (June 6, 1944) and Operation Overlord

   -US played a key role in D-Day and the liberation of Normandy, which marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe.

2. Battle of the Bulge (December 1944-January 1945)

   -US played a key role in Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western front from Dec. 16-Jan. 25 1945

3. Battle of Berlin (April-May 1945)

   -US did not play direct role, as it was a Soviet led operation but US played several important indirect roles in the lead up to battle and final stage

   -battle was final major offensive of WWII in Europe, German surrenders

Strategic, Leadership, and Diplomatic

1. Leadership and Strategy

   -The US Played a key role in forming and executing Allied military strategies

   -key leaders include FDR, General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe)

2. Diplomatic

   -The U.S. played a KEY role in forming and leading major Allied coalitions 

   -President FDR, along with British PM Churchill and Soviet Premier Stalin, was a central figure in the Allied leadership.

   -The U.S. also helped shape post-war plans, including the establishment of the United Nations.

Economic and Industrial Support

• US served as the "Arsenal of Democracy" 

  • Provided VAST amounts of military equipment, supplies, and support to Allied nations through the Lend-Lease Act and other aid programs. 

  • In 1940, the defense budget was approximately $2 billion. By 1944, it had risen to over $95 billion. 

• Orthodox perspective-Allies won because they had a significant material advantage

• Perspective - Overy - 1997