Ruben A. Rosa
September 27, 2015
HIST 465 6980: World War II
Marc Henderson
Geography is a pivotal factor in war, logistically and tactically. In this short essay, the affects of geography on WWII will be explained through a discussion considering distance, climate conditions, and terrain/industrialization of the nations involved in WWII.
I. Distance/Borders The nations, which were remote had difficulty accessing their supplies and required more resources due to its length and needed to be protected thereby increasing its exposure, vulnerability, and susceptibility to attacked. Additionally, while the eastern portion of the Russia was not of great concern, the size and location of the Nation had a huge
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Germany easily invaded Poland, due to Poland's few natural barriers. Also, at Pearl Harbor/Hawaii Japan attacked the United States Naval Fleet stationed there, to deter them from entering the war and in retaliation for the oil embargo but on them. This attack was a huge surprised cause they though distance would provide sanctuary against military strikes.
II. Climate/Weather The elements not only significantly affect the functioning of the supplies and equipment, but also the individuals on the ground fighting in the war. Hot and wet weather verses cold and requires different attire and gear and the soldiers' bodies were not accustomed to tolerating different, especially extreme, elements, i.e. German soldiers fighting in Russia brutally cold and North Africa extremely hot made fighting especially difficult under these conditions. Americans, British, Australian and New Zealanders fighting in the pacific under harsh wet weather were also difficult to Indore. Additionally, Normandy was crossed with hedgerows (hedges that act as fences) that slowed both the Allies attack and the Germans'
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Bocage country was the lay of the land inland from the beaches. Bocage was a sequence of diminutive fields surrounded by dense hedges and intersected by recessed lanes enclosed by high sides. The hedges were so dense that tanks couldn't surge through them and when they could the high sides of the recessed lanes of the hedges caused the tanks to rear up, baring its armored undersides, rather than the guns that were needed in the surge. This positioning prevented the guns on the tanks from being utilized. However, the hedges provided optimal concealment and protection for German soldiers and when breaks in the hedges could be made, which was only achieved through the utilization of high explosives, soldiers surging through those breaks were extremely susceptible to German machine guns and infantry sheltered by an similarly unmovable hedge on the other side and without any protection in fully exposed fields. The recessed lanes and hedges of the bocage thwarted Allied airpower. As a result of the condition of the hedges, locating German standpoints was extremely problematic, however, the sunken lanes did serve as good protection for tanks and guns, as the Allied troops were not able to hit what they weren’t able to see or locate. Thus, the bocage served as an ideal defensive terrain, blending the trenches, difficulties utilizing the tans, and the natural protection for the German
Throughout the history of The United States, geography has impacted many government decisions and actions, gradually shaping the country to the great nation known today. Geographic factors such as location, migration, natural resources, climate, and topography have determined these events. The Proclamation of 1763 and the Louisiana Purchase are two specific events in history which illustrate this relationship between geography and government actions.
During WWII, there were numerous meetings between U.S. and British strategists. Of these meetings, two held significant importance: Quebec Conference and the Tehran Conference. These two meetings contained major military strategic decisions and they made significant impacts on the conduct of the war. It is important to note that throughout all meetings conducted in preparation for and during WWII, military strategy differences existed between the Allied
“Why Geography Matters More Than Ever,” was written by Harm De Blij. It was published August 17th 2012 by Oxford University Press, USA with 354 pages in it.
2. What were the main· features of trench warfare for the troops involved? What would happen to people who managed to live through this experience?
Geography is the biggest part of a story. Every book, poem, short story, movie, play, and basically anything with a storyline has geography, it’s what makes a story good. Writers use geography to show readers a more indepth point of view of what they were thinking while writing. This is all stated in “Geography Matters” by Thomas C. Foster, he helps the readers realize how important geography is in their lives. In the Crucible by Arthur Miller, geography is a big impact on people's lives and actions. After reading these stories it makes the readers think how much the location and people they grew up with impacted them. Furthermore, geography is a big part in any story as shown through “Geography Matters,” The Crucible, and my own life.
“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder.” ~(John F. Kennedy) Geography has impacted countries and regions dissimilarly throughout the duration of history. Geography influences the historical and social development of a country or region. These features can either cause an area to be hindered or prosperous in its development. Likewise, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers of Mesopotamia were essential because it provided fertile soil for crops, trade, transport and the necessities to food sources. Also, the mountainous terrain of Greece caused the country to have independent city- states. The mountains
The Normandy Invasion may have been the single most important battle on the Western Front of World War II. Much planning went into the siege of these beaches that ensured a tough, but inevitable victory, as well as other factors, such as the exploitation of the Germans’ ignorance of the attack.
Thus, Megiddo was not only a strategic chokepoint, but enjoyed special defensive capabilities; worthy of making Erwin Rommel to voice his appreciation. With flat terrain to the north and mountains behind, Megiddo owners could at any point attack from their defensive stronghold and risk almost nothing. Later, we will examine how the geography of Megiddo affected strategic, tactical, and economic pursuits of nations.
The invasion of D-Day is the largest joint sea born invasion in the history of the world. Although very well planned, the amphibious landings were a gamble made by the Allied forces to gain foothold in Europe. Every American has heard about the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe on D-Day. However, how many Americans stop and think about how much planning, preparation and luck that went into making it the success that it is remembered for? I will attempt to depict what it took to conquer the Normandy beaches using historical and military facts that make it such an iconic event in the world’s history still today.
at German lines which scattered the very land that the allies needed to storm with
Geography is an important factor to consider when you look at this worlds past, present, or future. So whether it be the earths physical geographic features, the geopolitics stirring up trouble across the globe, or the economics of growing or shrinking countries; geography plays a major role. In todays society, geographic knowledge is one of the most important and valuable tools to possess. Without it, we are victims of ignorance and endanger ourselves, others, and the world. This ignorance, possessed by many, is posing a great risk of self-destruction. The author of “Why Geography Matters More Than Ever”, Harm de Blij, makes many strong points on this matter, but occasionally makes unsupported and unclear statements which tend to stray off topic.
Changes are an important part of history, and a natural part of life. In the case of geography throughout history, the world has made many changes to its borders and who has grievances with one another. From the High Middle Ages of olden Europe, to the twentieth century, change has occurred. These changes have unified and broken ties between countries and regions time and time again throughout history. There are many forces that push toward and against unity throughout time. The world map became what is today because of both unity and division marking change in the past.
Geography will never mean the same to me, the more I read the more I’ve learned it’ so much more than land and boundaries. What I’ve learned from this literature it seems to be the study of issues that affect people and the environment, and ways to solve the world’s problems. Geography is important because it affects all aspects of life. No matter what you are talking or thinking about geography is somehow involved. Everything in the world has a direct connection to place, location, interaction, movement, and region.
Geography can alter many facets of history. It can determine the prosperity of the people in the civilization and the development of culture. Rivers and Mountains are two examples of geographic features that effect prosperity and culture. Many early civilizations developed near rivers.