New
New
Year 9
1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War
I can explain why the period of 1941-2 was an important turning point of the Second World War.
New
New
Year 9
1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War
I can explain why the period of 1941-2 was an important turning point of the Second World War.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- In June 1941 Hitler launched an invasion of the Soviet Union, seeking to increase German territory to its east.
- At first Nazi Germany was successful, taking control of much of the western parts of the Soviet Union.
- In December 1941 Japan attacked the USA at Pearl Harbour, leading to them declaring war on both Japan and Nazi Germany.
- The Nazis attempted to take Stalingrad in 1942 but were ultimately unsuccessful after 5 months of fighting.
- The period 1941-2 was a turning point as it weakened Nazi Germany and led to the entry of the USA into the war.
Keywords
Lebensraum - the concept of 'living space' used by the Nazis to justify invading other countries
Siege - the surrounding of a place by an armed force, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling those inside to surrender
Common misconception
That the sole turning point of the Second World War was due to America being brought into the conflict.
America's entry into the conflict was an important turning point, however, another significant turning point occurred with the first defeat of the Nazi army in the Soviet Union.
Read opposing interpretations put forward by historians on the significant turning points of the war. Have students decide how far they agree with each interpretation.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
When Britain declared war on Germany, they dispatched the British Army to...
Q2.
The Nazi invasion of led to the resignation of Neville Chamberlain as prime minister.
Q3.
Which of these were features of Blitzkrieg?
It began with long periods of heavy artillery bombardment.
Numerous trenches were dug to create defensive positions.
Q4.
When Germany invaded France the majority of the British Expeditionary Force became trapped at...
Q5.
Radar helped to defeat the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain because...
it prevented German planes from knowing where British planes were.
it allowed Britain to bomb German cities.
it prevented Germany from bombing British cities.
Q6.
When did Hitler order the bombing campaign known as the Blitz?
before the Battle of Britain
during the 'phoney war'
during the Battle of Britain
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In 1941, Hitler launched an invasion of...
Britain
France
Norway
Q2.
Which of these are reasons why Hitler ordered Operation Barbarossa?
The Soviet Union had attacked Germany.
Q3.
Which of these are reasons why the Soviet Union was able to absorb Nazi Germany's blitzkrieg tactics?
superior tanks and equipment
a superior air force
Q4.
Which southern Russian city did the German army attempt to capture, leading to its defeat and retreat?
Moscow
Leningrad
Q5.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour brought which nation into WW2?
Britain
the Soviet Union
Nazi Germany
Q6.
With Japan having entered the war, which nation's Asian colonies did they almost entirely overrun?
the USA's
the Soviet Union's
Additional material
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