hitler’s strategy and the allies big decisions us 2 ap/ib
TRANSCRIPT
Hitler’s Strategy and the Allies Big Decisions
US 2 AP/IB
Shape of the World in 1942
• “A Unity…never before witnessed in this country.” ~ member of Congress after Pearl harbor
• War going badly– France taken over– Britain about to collapse– Soviet Union staggering– Japanese taking Allied strongholds in Pacific
Europe or Pacific?Although the US were fighting on both fronts, they had to
decide where to concentrate the most resources
Europe Pacific
Allies tied up in Europe US want to avenge Pearl Harbor
Hitler more dangerous Japan advancing into other US/Ally territory
Hitler developing Nuclear Weapons
US’s Pacific fleet needs approx. 1 year to rebuild
Evidence of Persecution of Jews and others
Allies have very little resources to give to Pacific offensive
FDR/Allies choose to concentrate on Europe
Hitler’s Strategy
• Goals– Take more Eastern Europe for natural
resources– Take Middle East for Oil– Maintain possessions in West
Hitler’s Strategy
• Move east take Moscow and Stalingrad to take out Russia
• Continue south from Stalingrad to Middle East
• Attack from Coast North Africa Egypt Middle East
• Connect two forces in Middle East
German Movement
German Desired Path
British Movement
US Movement
France vs. Africa
• US had less control over European operations because in conjunction w/ GB, exiled French forces, and Soviets
• US supported a plan for invasion of France via English Channel in Spring 1943, but faced challenges– Soviets facing brunt of the war, wanted invasion as early as
possible– GB wanted series of offensives around Nazi Empire (N. Africa,
S. Europe) first
• FDR torn– Didn’t want to upset Soviets– BUT Knew Invasion would take a long time to prepare
What would you do?
FDR chose to side with Great Britain, wanted to maintain close relationship
with Churchill – US went to Africa
Leaders in the North African Front
North African Offensive• German Goal: Oil in
Middle East, wanted to go through Eastern Europe and N. Africa and unite in middle east to get oil
• October 1942, GB opened offensive in North Africa
• Germany threatened the Suez Canal, but was forced to retreat from Egypt by GB
• US joins allies in North Africa via Morocco
German Movement
Battle
British Movement
US Movement
North African Offensive• US moves east toward
Rommel, British pushed west from Egypt
• Rommel chose to push against inexperienced American forces, forcing American defeat at the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia
• Patton regrouped American troops and began an effective counter offensive.
• Finally drove Germans out of Africa, May 1943, many Germans captured
We surrender
German Movement
Battle
British Movement
US Movement
Allies Press Into Italy
• July ‘43 - Allies land in Sicily
• Sept ‘43 – Italy surrenders
• Sept ’43 – Allies land at Salerno
• Oct ‘43 - Allies enter Naples
• 10/13/43 - Italy declares war on Germany
• Jan ‘44 - Allies land at Anzio
• May ‘44 - Germans retreat from Anzio.
• 6/5/44 - Allies enter Rome.