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D-Day didn't begin on June 6, 1944. By the time Allied troops landed in Normandy, years of hard-fought campaigns had already shaped the outcome. The battles that came before Overlord exposed weaknesses, refined strategy, tested leadership, and revealed lessons that would prove decisive when the invasion finally came. Understanding those earlier campaigns changes how you understand D-Day itself and offers valuable insights into planning, coalition warfare, and military adaptation. At The Military Reading Room, we go beyond the famous moments to explore the campaigns that made history possible. This article also includes recommended books for readers who want to study the road to Overlord in greater depth. Read the full article to explore the complete argument, discover the recommended reading, and subscribe to The Military Reading Room for thoughtful military history, strategy, and professional development delivered to your inbox.