MAPPING THE PASTMAP 27.3 World War II in Europe and Africa, 1939–1945 This map shows the extent of Hitler’s empire before the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942 and the subsequent advances of the Allies until Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945. Compare this map with Map 27.2 to trace the rise and fall of the Nazi empire over time.ANALYZING THE MAP What was the first country conquered by Hitler (see Map 27.2) ? Locate Germany’s advance and retreat on the Russian front in December 1941, November 1942, spring 1944, and February 1945. How does this compare to the position of British and American forces on the battlefield at similar points in time?CONNECTIONS What implications might the battle lines on February 1945 have had for the postwar settlement in Europe?