1. The Battle of Stalingrad: The Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted from July 1942 to February 1943, is often regarded as a turning point in the war. It was a major defeat for the German army and marked the end of their offensive operations on the Eastern Front. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad boosted the morale of the Allied forces and demonstrated that the German military could be defeated.
2. The Allied Invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch): In November 1942, Allied forces landed in French North Africa as part of Operation Torch. This campaign effectively secured control of North Africa and opened a second front against the Axis powers. It also led to the eventual collapse of the Vichy French regime and further isolated Italy.
3. The Bombing of Germany: The Allied strategic bombing campaign against Germany intensified in 1943, particularly with the use of heavy bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator. The bombing raids targeted German industrial centers, transportation networks, and cities, causing significant damage to the German war effort and undermining civilian morale.
4. The Battle of Kursk: In July 1943, the Germans launched a massive offensive in the Kursk salient, known as Operation Citadel. The Soviets, aware of the German plans, prepared a deep defense and managed to repel the German attack. The Battle of Kursk was the largest tank battle in history and resulted in heavy losses for the German army, further weakening their position on the Eastern Front.
5. The Italian Campaign: In July 1943, the Allied forces invaded Sicily, and in September, they landed on the Italian mainland. Italy's weak defenses and internal political turmoil led to the overthrow of the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and the subsequent Italian armistice with the Allies. This opened up a new front in southern Europe and further stretched German resources.
6. The Allied Strategic Air Offensive: In early 1943, the Allies began a strategic air offensive against Germany, targeting key industries and transportation hubs. The bombing raids, carried out by the Allied air forces, aimed to disrupt German production and weaken the country's ability to wage war.
7. The Tehran Conference: In November 1943, the leaders of the Allied powers (the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union) met at the Tehran Conference. During the conference, they discussed plans for the post-war world, military strategies, and the opening of a second front in Europe. The conference strengthened the Allied alliance and set the stage for further coordination in the war effort.
These factors combined to shift the momentum in favor of the Allied forces and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany's dominance in the European theater of World War 2.