World War Two - Key Events and Developments from 1940 to 1941

Target Language or Knowledge:

Between 1940 and 1941, World War II shifted from a European conflict into a truly global struggle. Following the Fall of France in mid-1940, the United Kingdom stood alone against Nazi Germany during the Battle of Britain and the subsequent Blitz. By June 1941, the scope of the war expanded dramatically when Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, a massive invasion of the Soviet Union. Simultaneously, the focus shifted toward the Mediterranean and Middle East theaters, where British and Commonwealth forces aimed to secure vital supply routes and protect the Suez Canal from Axis advances. During this critical period, New Zealand troops—including the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force—were primarily deployed to the Mediterranean theater. After initial training in the Middle East, they participated in the ill-fated defense of Greece and the subsequent evacuation to Crete in early 1941. Following the intense fighting and losses on Crete, the force regrouped in Egypt to refit and prepare for the North African campaign against German and Italian forces.

European global France Nazi Britain Blitz Barbarossa Mediterranean Commonwealth Suez Axis deployed Greece evacuation Crete Egypt North Italian

Answer this questions. (1) Where were New Zealand forces deployed to between 1940 and 1941? (2) What was the name of the Nazi invasion of the USSR in 1941?