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Ch.11 Sec.1 “The Allies Turn the Tide”
“Do Now”  “WWII was the last “good war”. Try and support or oppose this statement.
The Last Good War
By BRUCE W. NELAN
Monday, Mar. 09, 1998
Many Americans who lived through what was the most destructive war in history still refer to it as "the
last good war." Not that any war is good and not that there weren't terrible sacrifices, but World War II,
as TIME dubbed it, was a war that had to be fought and won. This was an unambiguous struggle between
good and evil. It was not just about national interests but also about values. Hitler and Tojo had to be
defeated; there was no doubt about it. The U.S. was the "home front"; the "war effort" was priority No. 1;
and complaints were met with a standard reply: "Don't you know there's a war on?" The country felt
extraordinarily close to its far-off troops--sons, nephews, the kids who lived down the street. They were
always "our boys." The unity of belief, purpose and effort felt surprisingly good………..
So can the war against Iraq and the war on terrorism join World War II as a standard for a good war? One
that the American people could support fully and feel was just. It is a very high standard, requiring an evil
enemy, a vital stake in the struggle, an overwhelming victory and--now--low casualties. In the future,
very few conflicts will meet it.
Questions & Key Terms: (Pg.354-360)

Why did the Allies decide to concentrate first on the war in Europe?
Allied leaders considered Germany the most dangerous threat during WWII. Japan & Italy also
posed threats; however, Germany under Hitler’s rule posed a long term problem. A two front war
in Europe and the Pacific was an ultimate goal, but a “Europe First” strategy was agreed to.

Why was the Battle of Stalingrad a turning point in WWII?
The battle of Stalingrad was an attempt by Germany to attack Russia in 1941 with a goal of
controlling the oil fields there. Due to the Russian cold winter, unprepared German soldiers and
Russian resolve, the battle of Stalingrad ended in January of 1943 and ended chances of Hitler
dominating Europe.

Why was delivering supplies to fellow Allied troops such a problem for the U.S.? How
did this change throughout WWII?
American supplies had to cross an ocean to get to Europe and Germany knew this, thus protected
the Atlantic and Caribbean waterways with U-boats. The development of radar and convoy
escorts allowed American weapons to eventually get to Allied aid during WWII.

What does the motto “Blood and Guts” refer to with George S. Patton and North
Africa?
The U.S. and British forces combined in North Africa to stop German advancement, even though
the Soviets wanted help France against Germany. Patton’s quote focused on winning the war at
all costs and suggests that even relatively minor injuries should not stop the advance.

What were the goals of British and American bombing runs over Germany in terms of
saturation and strategic bombing?
Allied forces wanted an unconditional surrender from Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo Axis forces.
After invading Italy and winning there, the focus became Germany. Saturation & strategic
bombing and groups like the Tuskegee airmen allowed Allied forces to destroy Germany’s
capacity to make war.
 Describe the B-24 Liberator during WWII?
The plane needed ten men to operate it. Bombs, guns, pilots, radio and navigator were all
a part of the crew. Faster and great bombing range.

List 3-5 statistics about the U.S. Air War in Europe?
30,099 flight crew member killed
13,360 flight members wounded

1,693,565 Combat missions
1,554,463 tons of bombs dropped
18,418 planes lost
29,916 enemy aircraft destroyed
What impact did the Battle of Midway have on Japanese expansion in the
Pacific?
Both Japanese and American soldiers knew the importance of Midway Island. American
Admiral Nimitz knew (code- breakers) Japanese intentions to attack Midway island and
concentrated all his American aircraft there. Americans sank four Japanese aircraft
carriers, while they only lost one.
Key Terms:
Dwight Eisenhower 
George S. Patton Jr. 
Unconditional surrender 
Saturation bombing 
Strategic bombing 
Tuskegee Airmen 
Chester Nimitz 
Battle of Midway 