The invasion site had to be close to at least one major port and airbase to allow for efficient supply lines. Possible sites included the Pas de Calais across the Strait of Dover, and the beaches of Cotentin. It was decided then by the Allies that the beaches of Cotentin would be the landing sites for operation Overlord, as it was must less likely to be suspected. .
The Axis were also suiting up for battle. In Germany Nazi soldiers were put through extremely rigorous training, similar to the Allies", but of course in training of defending rather than attacking. In Germany the "Atlantic Wall" was formed in order to sabotage any attempt to storm the beaches of Cotentin or the Pas de Calais. Enormous metal spikes were set on the beaches to prevent any possible boats from landing on the beach. Also enormous fences and back-up machine-gun nests at the top of the beach were established. .
The Nazis also had some tricks up their sleeves. The incredibly cheap and effective V-1 and V-2s were created, amongst other things. The German Fieseler FZG-76 (V-1) flying bomb had a range of 150 miles, traveling at a speed of 410 mph carrying 1,870 lbs of high explosives. The German Peenemunde A-4 (V-2) ballistic missile had 70,000 lbs of thrust, carrying 2,450 lbs of high explosives traveling up to 3,440 mph with a range of 185 miles. Along with these missiles, Hitler also had good naval support. U-boats were fitted with the Schnorkel, a device first appearing in the Atlantic. With this retractable pipe the U-boat could remain submerged at a depth of 20-25 feet under water using its diesel and vent its exhaust. The U-boats could also recharge their batteries with-out surfacing and remain under water for weeks on end. The Schnorkel actual made it so the success rate of American destroyers in their battle against the submarines had fallen by half. On the other hand, the Schnorkel slowed down their strategic speed.
Under Adolf Hitler the German empire extended from Russia to the west, to France on the east. Germany controlled much of Europe except for Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Sweden (Keegan 1). Hitler's army's gained control of much of Europe during the years of 1939 through 1941. It was not until December 11th 1941 that Hitler declared war on the United States. Soon afterward, Dwight D. ...