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The Battle Of The Bulge

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Battle of the Bulge The Battle of the Bulge is remembered as Adolf Hitler’s final effort to escape total defeat during World War II (WWII). His initial efforts were successful, however the Allied force commanders proved superior through there demonstrated adaptive and decisive decision making. These actions helped to overcome the military force and military intelligence failures during the battle. If these failures had been avoided, the Germans would have been defeated much quicker, effectively preventing the casualty numbers and damage inflicted on the Allied forces during the Western Front of WWII. Background History 16 December 1944 was the beginning of Germany’s Operation Mist “Ardennes Offensive” (Battle of the Bulge), …show more content…

Battles were fought in St. Vith, Elsenborn Ridge, Houffalize, and Bastogne. Their goal was to split the superior Allied forces in half, additionally advancing to and taking control of the Port of Antwerp. While initially successful, the Germans were unable to advance as far as anticipated, resulting in a defensive retreating posture through the end of the war. (History.com Staff, 2009) Germany invaded France in 1940 and easily dominated the country, controlling the area from the beginning of the war. The Germans attacked through the Ardennes region, following the invasion Adolf Hitler placed Commander Erwin Rommel in charge of securing the Atlantic wall, 2,400 miles of fortified coastline. The United Stated entered World War II in 1941, following the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. The Allied forces took control of France following the success of Operation Overlord June 6th 1941. United States, Canada, and Great Britain invaded Normandy Beach on June 6th 1944, by June 11th the beaches were fully secured. Following the momentum the Allies moved west capturing the port of Cherbourg by the end of June. This proved to be a pivotal acquisition for the Allied force, allowing for easier movement of forces, equipment, and supplies. This monumental success was a major turning point and a beginning to the end for the Germans on the western front. Germany was reluctant to send nearby divisions for a

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