Lesson Seed 4: Introduction to D-Day

Students will examine the varying perspectives on an invasion of France, which led to the plan for Operation Overlord. In 1942 Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and DeGaulle had different opinions on when this invasion would occur. An invasion of North Africa occurred in 1942, followed by an Allied invasion of Italy in 1943. Once students grasp the reasons for Overlord, which include, taking pressure off the Soviet Army, starting a march toward Germany, and freeing France from the Germans, they will understand how the following relationships and interactions contributed to defining the leadership roles within the Allied forces:

•         Patton's (U.S.) desire to command the invasion

•         Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery’s (U.K.) desire to be in charge

•         Appointment of Eisenhower (U.S.) as the commander of the invasion

Operation Overlord