Complete Original Newspaper Usually 15 to 30 pages 

Cleveland Press December 20 1944

World War II was the bloodiest conflict in human history. The world was in a state of ?total war.? Motivated by the threat of global tyranny, the Allies eventually prevailed, but this victory was marked by battles won and lost. We have selected Original papers that cover the Best headlines from  battles that decisively changed the course of the war. Battles are ranked based on what was at stake, and the effect they had on the war as a whole.

Visually American papers from WW2 Had striking Headlines and had more Extensive Coverage on WW2, Unlike Great Britain Newsprint was not rationed so you got more Bang for your Buck..

Battle of the Bulge

German SS troops double across a road in a staged photo after the destruction of an American convoy of jeeps and half-tracks in the Ardennes, 16 December 1944.

 

In December 1944, following the successful invasion of Europe on D-Day and the subsequent offensive through Normandy, the Allies might have been forgiven for thinking the war in the West was all but over. But Germany crushed any such thoughts on 16 December when they launched a massive offensive in the Ardennes region of Belgium. The battle became known as the Battle of the Bulge. Here are 15 facts about the battle.

1. The battle lasted for 4 weeks

The German attack began 16 December and the battle ended when their withdrawal was completed on 25 January. 

2. It was the last major German offensive of the war

Adolf Hitler was determined to launch a fresh offensive in an attempt to force the Allies to the negotiating table. His generals opposed the move, knowing Germany?s resources were limited. 

German forces advancing during the opening stages of the Battle of the Bulge

3. It was a surprise attack

In late 1944 the Allies were heavily focussed on offensive preparations, they did not anticipate a major attack by Germany. Heavy fog had grounded air reconnaissance, meaning the build up of German forces had not been detected. 

4. The target of the attack was the Belgian city of Antwerp

The Germans attacked through the wooded Ardennes region