D-Day marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of German-occupied northwestern Europe during World War II. On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed along five beaches of Normandy, France, facing German opposition. Paratroopers also landed behind enemy lines to support the beach invasions. The landings at Omaha Beach faced especially difficult conditions, but by week's end the Allies had secured 50 miles of coastline. Over the following months, the Allies would go on to liberate northern France. D-Day played a pivotal role as the starting point that led to the eventual defeat of German forces in Europe.