Before D-Day
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There were many different reasons for the preparation of D-Day. The Germans had taken over France, and were beginning to spread their influence farther into other allied territories. This was miking it easier for the axis powers to spread even farther throughout Europe, weakening allied forces day after day. The Russian allies were also looking for assistance. The easiest way to do this, would be to open up another front on the Germans, and Normandy was looking most convenient. The German officials were consistently marking the tracks of General George Patton. Due to this, Ike used Patton as a distraction. He put Patton in control of the "ghost army" in Calais. This was a complete distraction for the Germans, because Patton made huge name for himself in North Africa, so they wanted to stop him. Therefore they strengthened their forces. Overall this was the plan for an entry point, attack them where they're not expecting, Normandy, France.
June 6, 1944
France was occupied by Nazi Germany, and needed to be liberated. It was well known that the war would not be resolved without American involvement. The allies began planning what is now known as D-Day, in order to defeat the Germans, and put an end to the war. On the morning of June 6, planes and warships began firing upon German lines, weakening them so that troops could be brought ashore. While the land and air attacks were taking place, planes and gliders dropped thousands of troops behind German lines to cut off supplies. By about 6:30 am, troops began landing ashore in Normandy. By the end of the day, about 156,000 allied troops had landed ashore, making the the largest amphibious invasion of all time.
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Ghost Army
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The Ghost Army was the distraction placed in order to deter the Germans. This was composed of multiple planes and tanks that were all inflatable. None of the equipment was actually operable. Fake radio traffic was placed to also lead the Germans to believe that an attack was coming from it's location
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After D-Day
The landing of 156,000 troops in one day resulted in the downfall of Nazi Germany. The long push to Berlin was supported by many allied countries coming in from all fronts. This action quickly reduced the German controlled lands, surrounding Hitler in what was known to be the Battle of the Bulge. By liberating France, weakening German forces and opening another front, the allies were able to successfully invade Germany, and stop Hitler's reign.
Other Resources
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