Soft Underbelly of Europe Churchill (Prime Minister of England) wanting to avoid the bloodshed England experienced in WWI didn’t want a head on attack of Germany through France. He convinced the US to attack the periphery of the Axis. Churchill called Italy the “Soft Underbelly of Europe” – by this he meant that it would be easier to attack the Italians because they were tired of fighting.

Operation Husky – Invasion of Sicily July – August complete conquest of Sicily Invasion of Italy Sep Italy Surrenders Germans seize Rome and control of Italy

Fighting in difficult/mountainous terrain Germans would withdraw to next defensive position The fighting in Italy would last to the end of the war in “Soft Underbelly?”