Superpowers that tipped the scales of the Second World War

 

It’s not a mystery that the Second World War showed us military prowess never seen before in previous wars. From the Axis Powers to the Alliance, some alliances even had super countries which could single-handedly end the war by themselves. Here are 3 of these countries that held more power than most of the countries combined, John F Eilermann shares.

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United Kingdom

Although not a single country, the United Kingdom consisted of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These 4 countries gathered forces and technology that protected them from Germany’s invasion for so long. Being involved from the very beginning of the war, the United Kingdom participated in stopping Hitler’s advances by being in major battles such as the Battle of France, Operation: Overlord, and, most notably, the Battle of the Bulge. All these battles were won with help from another superpower, with tech and air support coming in to help, John F Eilermann notes. Overall, the United Kingdom held enough power to stop the Axis’ advance through Europe.

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Germany

It’s no mystery that Germany held so much power during the Second World War during Hitler’s reign. Almost like a hive mindset, they followed the orders of their Führer up to the very end. From technology like U-boats to torturous prison camps, their brutish and mercilessness in the battlefield grants them a seat on this list. Even without advanced technology like the US or tons of infantry like the UK, Germany managed, with strategy, to take over half of Europe, even before the Axis Powers were formed. With all these achievements and more, Germany deserves to be called a superpower, John F Eilermann notes.

United States of America

Ever since the US bared their fangs during the Second World War, everyone feared their military prowess. With the help of tech more advanced than anything the battlefield had seen, the USA proved to be the largest superpower of WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the USA had more of an active role in the war rather than just providing support by equipment. They strategized and not long after, through the use of atomic bombing, reduced the Axis Powers military strength by more than half. John F Eilermann shares that this makes the USA a military to be feared and respected.

Three must-read novels about World War II

John Eilermann. Many novels are set during the time of World War II. A good number of these novels were masterfully made, giving readers a glimpse of what life was like during that time in history. Here are three WWII novels voracious readers shouldn't miss.

'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah

John Eilermann. A lot of critics and bloggers praised this 2015 novel about two French sisters. While so many writers have attempted to write about the French Resistance, this novel was able to capture the events and people's experiences in one part of the world during the war. The book also showed how two women did their part during this turning point in history.

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'Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein

John Eilermann.. This 2012 novel shows the friendship between British spy Verity and pilot Maddie during the time of Nazi-occupied France. What captured readers was how the novel showed women’s roles during the war. The main characters both showed courage and resolve even as they face danger. The book was shortlisted for a Carnegie Medal and became a Michael L. Printz Honor Book in 2013.

'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr

This book, published in 2014, received the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Set in Europe, the story shows the lives of two teenagers from Germany and France facing life's changes and challenges due to the war. The author also finds a way for the paths of these two characters to meet, making the story truly interesting. John Eilermann.

Five most significant battles in World War II

Like most wars in the past, World War II was composed of numerous bouts between the Axis and the Allied forces. Some battles are more noteworthy than others because of their significance in the outcome, number of casualties, as well as serving as milestones in the campaign. WWII enthusiast John Eilermann believes that there are some battles that aren’t in text books which deserve to be known. Here are five of the most significant battles in WWII.

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D Day, Normandy 1944 

 D Day, June 6, 1994, marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from German occupation. The battle would last for six weeks. Strategically, the Germans had the advantage as it was a great opportunity to repel the Allies from holding further grounds in Western Europe. But in late July, Hitler and the tired German forces retreated to Germany.

 France, 1940

 Through the Germans’ unique mastery of mobile warfare, Germany was able to expand their territories through the Low Countries and northern France. Through this campaign, the Germans shattered the French Army, giving Hitler full control of Western Europe.

  Pearl Harbor, 1941

 A crippling blow was dealt to the Americans by the Japanese in this surprise attack in Hawaii. Japan deployed six aircraft carriers carrying over 400 planes to attack the naval base. This resulted to the nuclear option as retaliation for the attack.

 Bagration, 1944

 According to John Eilermann, Operation Bagration was more significant than D Day. This soviet offensive in Belorussia destroyed a large portion of the German army and liberated most of the soviet territories.

  Moscow, 1941

 The Red Army’s attack in front of Moscow took the Germans by surprise as it would prove that Hitler’s Blitzkreig strategy had failed. In the end, the Reich would lose in the battle of attrition in Soviet soil.

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  Chicago localJohn Eilermann is an expert when it comes to WWII facts and memorabilia. For more reads on this topic, visit this website.