Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the rise of fascism in Europe and how this helped to bring about the Second World War. They examine key turning points in the conflict, including the Battle of Britain, the siege of Stalingrad, the D-Day landings and the use of atomic weapons in 1945.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why America's entry into the war and the D-Day landings were major turning points in the Second World War.

Key Notes

• Now that America had ended its policy of isolationism, it was committed to fighting Japan and her ally, Germany.
• The Japanese occupied most of southeast Asia, their brutal conduct was influenced by a military code.
• The daring amphibious D-Day landings took place in June 1944, meaning Nazi Germany was now fighting on two fronts.
• The landings were a major turning point in the war as they hastened Germany's surrender in May 1945.
• Germany surrendered after being surrounded by the Allied armies from the west and the Soviet forces from the east.

Vocabulary To Learn

• isolationism: the policy or practice of showing interest only in your own country and not being involved in international activities or war
• D-Day: the day during WW2 when the Allies began their invasion of Europe by attacking the coast of northern France; Operation Overlord
• amphibious: relating to both land and water; warfare consisting of naval and air forces and involving the landing and establishing of forces on a hostile shore
• munitions: military weapons such as guns and bombs

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• America and Britain won the war by defeating the Nazis in Berlin.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• 1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War Study Guide
• Appeasement and the declaration of war Study Guide
• Blitzkrieg and the Battle of Britain Study Guide
• The last days of the Second World War Study Guide
• The rise of fascism in Europe Study Guide