WWII – 1941
When considering World War II, and in particular the Holocaust of the Jews, it is important recognize the extent of the power of Germany, Britain, and other major forces at that time.
Britain was quick to take action when expanding their power throughout Europe and other neighboring countries and continents. In late January of 1941, Tobruk (a major port city in Libya) fell to the British, and they continued their advancement in to East Africa. Just one month later, German troops arrived in Africa. The Britons had no intention of letting the presence of German forces slow them down, and in early March they continued to move and found themselves in Greece.
On March 11th, 1941, US President Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act. This act was crucial in the United States’ efforts to provide aid to foreign countries in the midst of WWII. The Lend-Lease Act authorized President Roosevelt to transfer any military assistance to countries that Congress and the President viewed as essential to protect for the sake of likewise protecting the United States.
Just one month after Britain had invaded Greece, they found themselves facing the Germans, who had not hesitated to expand their territorial power. Three weeks after the arrival of the Nazis, Greece surrendered.
While both Britain and Germany sought to expand their power, they continued to rage intense warfare on each other. In early May, Germany laid a heavy bombing upon London. These World War powers extended their hostilities to foreign nations, often times involving native armies in their battles.
This World War wasn’t restricted to land, as intense naval battles were happening and continued to happen for the duration of the war. In late May, the German ship Bismarck successfully sank the British ship Hood. However, the British quickly sough vengeance and the Bismarck sank just three days later.
On June 22nd, 1941, Operation Barbarossa began. The German invasion of the Soviet Union was a crucial turning point in WWII. The Germans had greatly underestimated the Soviet Union, and they had not properly assessed the situation and made prior preparations. The Nazis had plans to advance quickly in to the Soviet Union, but their advancement was stalled by quick counterattacks. The weather of the Soviet Union proved to be a barrier in the German’s efforts to reach Moscow, and by the time the Nazi troops reached Moscow the Soviets were able to retaliate. After the spring thaw, operations were brought to a halt, and Operation Barbarossa ultimately failed.
For the remainder of 1941, Germany continued to advance in to the Soviet Union, but made several unsuccessful attempts to invade Moscow. However, German hostilities were not held within the Eurasian continent, because, in early December of 1941, Hitler declared war on America. Now, a third world power was involved.
