V-2
Germany 19331942 (Courtesy of Grolier Interactive)
The V-2, or Vengeance Weapon 2, was a liquid-propellant rocket developed at Peenemünde, Germany, between 1938 and 1942 under the technical direction of Wernher von Braun. The rocket was part of a development series known as Aggregate, begun under the auspices of the German army at Kummersdorf in 1932. The V-2, fourth in the series, was also known as the A-4. Originally intended for battlefield use, it was eventually used to bomb Britain and other countries.
The V-2 stood over 14 m (46 ft) tall and at liftoff weighed 12,873 kg (28,380 lb), including a 998-kg (2,201-lb) warhead. It reached a maximum speed of about 5,705 km/h (3,545 mph) and had a range of about 320 km (200 mi).
Although the first successful V-2 test occurred on Oct. 3, 1942, it was not until July 27, 1943, that Adolf Hitler authorized full-scale development of the rocket. More than 4,300 were launched between Sept. 6, 1944, and Mar. 27, 1945, against London and southeastern England, Antwerp, and other targets. Many exploded before reaching their targets or were misdirected. Much postwar rocket technology was based on the V-2.
Kenneth Gatland
Bibliography: DeVorkin, David H., Science with a Vengeance (1995); Johnson, D., V-1 —V-2: Hitler's Vengeance on London (1991); Wegener, Peter P., The Peenemünde Wind Tunnels: A Memoir (1996).
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Decisions, Decisions: The Cold War
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Decisions, Decisions: The Cold War
The Cold War defined world events for a generation, from the division of Europe, to the war in Vietnam, to the nuclear arms race. Decisions, Decisions: The Cold War puts students at the center of these issues.
By understanding the critical themes of the era, students begin to understand the world today. The simulation sparks discussions on terrorism, political ideologies, and more!
Topics covered:
- 20th Century History
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- World Events
- International Politi $149.00
CD-ROM | Grades 5-10
Grades 5-10 $149.00
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Number the Stars
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Number the Stars
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think about life before the war. But it's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching in their town.
$6.99
The Nazi won't stop. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated," so Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be part of the family.
Then Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend's life. There's no turning back now.
books;paperback books;paperbacks | Ages 9-12
Ages 9-12 $6.99
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