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Landing at Anzio: Allied forces surprised the
Nazis by landing at Anzio, Italy, in January of 1944. An
amphibious landing in winter was so unexpected that
troops at first encountered no resistance.
Catalog ID: 276904 |
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Ending the Siege of Leningrad: Nazi troops had
surrounded Leningrad in 1941. Citizens faced bitter
winters, severe privation and German attacks – but the
city did not surrender. In January of 1944, Soviet
forces finally brought an end to the long ordeal.
Catalog ID: 59638 |
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French Resistance: France fell to Germany in 1940
but many French citizens continued to fight. These
scenes, smuggled out of France at the time, show a small
band of underground fighters in training. Through
sabotage, the resistance contributed to the Allied
efforts of 1944.
Catalog ID: 275827 |
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Progress in Italy: When two groups of Allied
forces in Italy linked up in May, it was cause for
celebration. Together they would go on to Rome.
Catalog ID: 276915 |
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Allies Take Rome: Allied forces entered Rome on
June 4, 1944 – just two days before the invasion of
France. Rome was the first Axis capital to fall into
Allied hands. Crowds welcomed the troops, while citizens
who had collaborated with the Germans received rough
treatment.
Catalog ID: 272529 |
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Preparing the Way: Air power played a crucial
role in Allied victories. Paratroops, bombers and
fighter planes prepared the way for invasion troops.
Catalog ID: 487624, 430624 |
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Operation Overlord: Allied leaders had planned
the day for many months, gathering men and materiel for
a massive attack. Then General Eisenhower gave the
order: June 6 was D-Day. The largest combined operation
in military history had begun.
Catalog ID: 430624 |
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The Cost: Despite the upbeat tone of newsreels,
the cost of victory in France was high. President Ronald
Reagan, marking the 40th anniversary of D-Day, visited a
cemetery and remembered the sacrifice of many soldiers.
Catalog ID: 494179 |
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Into France: In the weeks following D-Day, the
Allies continued the fight toward the interior of
France. General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free
French Forces, also returned to his homeland.
Catalog ID: 276692 |
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Liberation of Paris: Free French Forces led the
way into their capital on August 25. Overjoyed crowds
gathered to celebrate; some snipers continued to fight;
and General de Gaulle returned to a very warm welcome.
At last, Paris was liberated.
Catalog ID: 276729 |
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Victory in the USSR: Fighting on the Eastern
Front had taken an enormous toll. Soviet citizens
rejoiced as Nazi forces were pushed back out of their
land.
Catalog ID: 59681, 313368 |
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Operation Market Garden: Amid many Allied
victories came a serious blow. Paratroops were dropped
into the vicinity of Arnhem in Holland with the goal of
taking key bridges. But German troops were waiting, and
the operation turned into a disaster for the Allies.
Catalog ID: 277067 |
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Progress in Holland: Though the effort at Arnhem
had failed, fighting continued in Holland. As in many
other European towns, Allied troops were a welcome sight
to the people of Middelburg.
Catalog ID: 58897 |
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