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The Second World War in Europe and the Asia-Pacific
Quick questions on The turning points of the war explained: N(A)-Level History
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What is the German invasion of the Soviet Union?Show answer
A major turning point was Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union in 1941, breaking the earlier Nazi-Soviet Pact. At first the Germans advanced deep into Soviet territory using blitzkrieg. But the Soviet Union was enormous, with a huge population and vast resources, and the Soviet people resisted fiercely. As the freezing Russian winter set in, the German advance stalled.
What is the Battle of Stalingrad?Show answer
The clearest turning point in Europe was the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942 to 1943. The Germans attacked the city of Stalingrad, but the Soviets fought for every street and refused to give up. Then the Soviet army surrounded the German forces in the city, trapping them with no food, fuel or escape in the bitter winter. Eventually a whole German army was forced to surrender.
What is the Battle of Midway?Show answer
The turning point in the Pacific war itself came at the Battle of Midway in 1942, a great sea and air battle between the American and Japanese navies. The Americans won a decisive victory, sinking several Japanese aircraft carriers. After Midway, Japan was no longer able to expand and was forced onto the defensive. Just as Stalingrad turned the tide in Europe, Midway turned the tide in the Pacific, marking the point where Japan began to lose.
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