What major events during the European theatre of the World War II helped defeat the Axis?

by catmandoo123

Reposted with an acceptable question, sorry! I would love a few examples (I have my own but there are so many in answer to this question), I have had absurdly long arguments with friends about precisely this issue. I don't want to reveal my leanings and biases, instead I would love fresh viewpoints and ideas. Thanks!

pmaj82

In no significant order time wise or importance:

  1. Invasion of Italy: Removed Italy from the game. Hastened German take over of Italy as well.
  2. D-Day: Do you need an explanation of this? If so I will edit.
  3. Stalingrad: Also really famous so I would hope no explanation is not necessary.
  4. Kursk: Largest armored battle in all history. Was a series of battles that had over 3 million men involved. Russians had more casualties in this one battle then the US had in the ENTIRE war.
  5. Battle of Britain: The Failure to Invade or to force the surrender by bombardment and air combat allowed Britain to hobble on till the USSR was invaded and the US joined the war.
  6. Battle for the Atlantic: The failure to halt the supplies coming in from the US allowed Britain to chug along and the USSR to continue fighting Germany.
  7. Pearl Harbor: Its a Pacific issue but its action resulted in Germany declaring war on the US, not the other way around.
  8. African Campaigns: Secured Oil and required Germany to get creative with artificial oil production.

I would argue 3,4,5,6, and 7 where pivotal turning points for the Axis powers.

1 and 2 where big deals none the less that affected the war.

It's really hard to argue for or against certain things being major events, but these where super big deals.