The Factors of The Success of D-day in WWII

“World War II” (also abbreviated as WWII) is widely known to be the most destructive war of all time. It came from a time where the United States just got back to its roots after the devastating effects from the Great Depression. One of the most notable events in WWII was known as D-Day, which was in June 6, 1944. It was one of the major turning points during WWII, and a rather successful one for the Allied Powers. Some of the reasons for the success of D-Day was primarily because of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s finest ways of being a leader and how the Allies’ used strategies such as deceit and hoaxing to their advantages against the Nazis.

For the longest time, many are aware that the one who led the humongous invasion in the Normandy was Dwight D. Eisenhower. Despite having to get himself involved in worldwide warfare, Eisenhower was often witnessed as an optimist, always keeping his chin up for the sake of his troops. That’s mostly why he was likable among many, because of how much he cherished the soldiers he’s leading. Interestingly enough, according to Eisenhower, he once stated that both optimism and pessimism are rapidly transferable. So if he’s confident that he and the Allies would reign victorious out in the battlefield, his fellow troops would believe in his words at a moment’s notice. Additionally, being the supreme commander for the Allies is some big shoes to fill. If the Allies failed to succeed in the D-Day invasion, the blame would all be on Eisenhower since he was the one giving the direct orders. However, not even an inkling of the thought of failure faze his positive spirit. Unlike most leaders, Eisenhower was eager enough to take the blame.

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold, and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.”

Considering this, it becomes clear that Eisenhower’s ways of how he led the Allies was an impactful factor towards making the D-Day invasion successful. He has endured the pressure of the possibility of defeat, and pressed on. His wisdom and enthusiasm not only influenced his troops’ zeal to emerge triumphant, but also gave them the hope that can help them overcome the most toughest enemies. Without Eisenhower, the Allies would’ve been simply nothing.

Furthermore, unbeknownst to Germany, the Allies had a trick right up their sleeves. What they did was carry out a huge deception campaign while in the middle of planning D-Day, made intently to hoodwink Germany into thinking that the invasion would take place somewhere along in the “Pas de Calais”. That way, it would make Germany expect the landings to occur there, forcing them to start preparing on defenses. It was very likely the Allies did this in order to keep them away from potentially discovering the main plan, which in actuality, took place in Normandy. It turned out that the deception actually worked, and the majority of Germany’s forces had the Pas de Calais in their sights. With the diversion in full swing, it was time for the Allies to strike.

“While the real invasion force landed in Normandy, Allied planes dropped silver foil to give the impression of massed planes and ships crossing from Dover. The Germans thought the Normandy landings were a diversion, and kept back reserves of tanks and troops in the Calais area - to counter what they thought would be the ‘real’ invasion. By the time they realised, it was too late. The Normandy bridgehead had been secured, and Allied troops were fighting their way across northern France.”

Seeing that the Allies’ trick had worked against the Nazi scourge, it can be seen that it was another reason to why D-Day was such a success. It required wits, and some careful planning on their part. There would’ve been different outcomes for D-Day if it weren’t for the Allies’ ability to deceive the enemy.

To sum up, the Allies misleading the Nazis using forged battle plans and the professional guidance of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower were the reasons why the D-Day invasion was successful. Not only that, but in a way, it demonstrates how brains can overcome against the brawn. Nazi Germany’s strength all throughout World War II was unnaturally substantial, and a true force to be reckoned with. However, they were easily fooled by the Allies’ diversion that involved the Pas de Calais. Even while D-Day was going on, Hitler repeatedly made several mistakes and poor decisions that he or his forces couldn’t think twice. They were not only duped by the Allies, but they never actually believed they were even tricked in the first place. In the end, victory would be assured to the Allies all for outsmarting the brawn in their D-Day invasion.