D-Day: The Total Story

June 6, 1944. The day the military might of the Allies combined for the most extensive aerial and sea borne assault ever planned. The D-Day invasion at the beaches of Normandy, France changed the direction of World War II, and the history of the twentieth century. Planned for over two years by the Allied Forces, the D-Day Invasion was an intricate coordination of the world's greatest military forces, and an exercise in cooperation that marked the turning point of war, and the world's history. D-Day: The Total Story would be useful for classes on American History, World History, Military History and Cultural History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

D Minus 1

D Minus 1 explores the tense hours leading up to the monumental attack. The elaborate plans, the calculated risks and the sheer daring of the invasion are explored. The troops were heavily trained and armed with latest weaponry, but the fate of the war hung on one key strategy: surprise.

• ambitious
• amphibious
• blaspheme
• blitzkrieg
• bogus
• commandeer
• compassion
• compensate
• convoy
• entrails
• fictitious
• hospitable
• improvise
• incinerate
• litany
• logistics
• obsolete
• pneumonic
• sabotage
• theoretical

Discussion Questions

1. The D-Day Invasion at Normandy was unique in the fact that it was a collaborative effort of some of the world's leading nations. How did the D-day Invasion foreshadow the globalization of world politics and policy?

2. The causalities of the invasion were numerous. Most men that died on the beaches of Normandy were young men; many not even out of their teens. How do soldiers deal with the deaths of their fellow soldiers and buddies during combat?

3. How the D-Day invasion get its name?

4. Dwight David Eisenhower, affectionately known as "Ike," was the Supreme Allied Commander of the invasion. Why was Eisenhower a good choice for this mission?

5. What are the logistical and emotional difficulties of bringing together soldiers from different nations?

6. Some British soldiers resented the American soldiers stationed in London prior to the invasion. Why were there some tensions between the soldiers?

7. How was the weaponry of World War II different from that of World War I? How did this change the methods of warfare?

8. How did the Allied Forces trick Germany into diverting its troops?

Extended Activities

1. On a map of Europe, trace the routes of the D-Day Invasion.

2. Imagine that you are a soldier stationed in London waiting for the D-Day Invasion. Write a letter home that explains your feelings, fears and emotions about the upcoming invasion.

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