The Axis powers struggle with military setbacks, while the Allies plan and execute strategic operations to capitalize on their advantages.

• The Axis powers are in decline following the defeat at Stalingrad and the Allies are poised to leverage their advantages.
• Hitler's belief in the supremacy of the German war machine is proven wrong as the Allies cautiously advance towards victory.

The Allies make visible progress, particularly in naval warfare, with the potential victory in the Battle of the Atlantic.

• The Allies are on the verge of winning the Battle of the Atlantic, with successful measures against U-Boats.
• The morale of German submarine crews is low, forcing Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz to disengage from the main North Atlantic convoy routes.

The Allies continue their air campaign against Germany and Italy, aiming to weaken Axis defenses and resources.

• Operation Point Blank, the code name for the Allied air campaign, continues to target Germany and Italy both day and night.
• American aircraft attack daytime targets while the Royal Air Force operates at night.

The Allies secure total victory in North Africa, capturing a significant number of German and Italian soldiers.

• The North African campaign ends with a complete Allied victory, resulting in a large number of Axis prisoners.
• The defeat in North Africa is a worse military disaster for Germany than the loss at Stalingrad.

Allied leaders debate future strategies, with disagreements on whether to prioritize an invasion of northern France or other regions.

• Allied leaders agree on a strategy prioritizing the defeat of Hitler first, meeting in Washington for the Trident conference.
• The British and Americans debate the timing and location of future invasions, with the British fearing a repeat of WWI trench warfare losses.

Germany reacts to Allied advances and misinformation, preparing for potential Allied landings in various locations.

• Germany reacts to the Allied threat by preparing defenses in Greece, Sardinia, and France, based on false intelligence about Allied plans.
• Hitler fears an agreement between the Russians and the Allies if the Red Army is not relieved by a western front.

Allied leaders continue to strategize and prepare for further operations in Europe, with Churchill and Roosevelt meeting in North Africa.

• Allied leaders set the date for Operation Overlord and plan to establish a foothold in Europe with an invasion of Sicily and Italy.
• Churchill and Roosevelt discuss the next steps in North Africa, while General Marshall is pressured to support operations in the Pacific.

Mussolini's regime collapses following the Allied advances, creating a strategic crisis for the Axis powers.

• The fall of Mussolini and the threat of the Allies seeking to overthrow the fascist regime lead to increased anxiety for Hitler.
• With the Mediterranean area weakened, the Führer faces a strategic dilemma on where the Allies will strike next.

The Allies launch Operation Husky, achieving a successful invasion of Sicily and further undermining Axis power in the Mediterranean.

• Operation Husky commences with the largest military operation by the Allies to date, landing more troops in Sicily than later seen on D-Day in Normandy.
• Allied deception leads to German mistakes, allowing a favorable two-to-one fight for the Allies in Sicily.

Allied forces face tough resistance in Sicily, with General Patton determined to capture Messina before the British.

• The battle for Sicily intensifies as the Allies face strong counterattacks from Axis forces.
• General Patton's determination to capture Messina leads to a competitive dynamic with the British forces.

Following the successful invasion of Sicily, the Allies make preparations for further operations in Europe.

• The Allies secure a victory in Sicily, contributing to the fall of Mussolini's regime and setting the stage for further advances in Italy.
• Allied technology plays a crucial role in the invasion, with the introduction of efficient landing ships and vehicles.

Tensions arise among Allied leaders as they navigate the complex military and political landscape in Italy.

• Allied leaders disagree on the approach to Italy, with Churchill advocating for a direct strike while Americans push for a broader strategy.
• The Allies prepare for a landing in Italy, but face challenges in choosing the right location and overcoming German counter-measures.

Germany struggles on the Eastern Front, facing a decisive Soviet resistance at the Battle of Kursk.

• The Battle of Kursk marks a significant turning point on the Eastern Front, with the Red Army successfully holding their ground.
• Hitler's hesitation and the eventual halt of Operation Citadel signal the diminishing prospects of German victory in the East.

The political crisis in Italy intensifies as Mussolini is deposed, leading to a power vacuum and Hitler's attempt to salvage the situation.

• Mussolini's fall from power leads to a crisis for the Axis, with Hitler ordering a rescue mission for the deposed leader.
• The Allied bombings of Hamburg and Peenemünde indicate the increasing pressure on German infrastructure and war efforts.

Allied leaders convene to discuss strategies, while the Italian campaign begins with challenges and significant casualties.

• Churchill and Roosevelt meet to discuss the future of the war, including plans for Operation Overlord and the Italian campaign.
• Allied forces land in Italy, facing a strong German resistance that tests their resolve and military capabilities.