Turning the Tide in Europe, United States History

How did the U.S. contribute to the turning of the tide against the Axis Powers in Europe in WWII? (Guiding Question)

Europe: Focus of WWII Though Japan had attacked the United States, FDR and his military advisors were determined that Germany was the primary target for the war effort. FDR incorrectly believed that the Germans were ultimately controlling Japan’s strategy. Decided that U.S. would maintain a defensive force in the Pacific, while concentrating forces in Great Britain for an anticipated attack somewhere against Nazi-occupied Europe.

Meanwhile, in the European Theatre… The U.S. and British armies never engaged more than a small part (10-15%) of the German Wehrmacht [unified army forces of Germany]; it was ultimately the Soviets that would shatter the German war machine. As such, the need to keep the Soviet Union in the war dictated much of the U.S. and British strategy in the European war.

Fear of Stalin’s Betrayal There was a genuine fear that Stalin would make a separate peace with Hitler if he were not convinced his allies (Great Britain, U.S.) were committed to the fight. Made it imperative that some military operations be made against the Germans and their Italian allies as soon as possible. Public opinion in the first 6 months of American involvement saw almost nothing but defeat at the hands of the Axis Powers. A successful invasion of enemy-held territory was needed to sustain the morale of the American people.

Where to Strike? This issue caused the first of many disagreements over strategy between the U.S. and Great Britain military planners. FDR favored an invasion across the English channel into Northern France. Believed this was the most direct means of inflicting harm against the Germans, taking some of the heat off of the Soviets. Churchill argued that such an undertaking would be too risky to take before 1944.

Where to Strike? (cont.) Churchill instead suggest that an Anglo- American force land in French North Africa. Allies then could drive the Axis from all of North Africa followed by an invasion of Sicily and Italy. Striking the “soft underbelly.” British Position Prevails Plans quickly developed for Operation Torch (Nov. 1942) May 1943, 240,000+ German & Italian soldiers surrendered to the Allies.

Invading the “Soft Underbelly of the Axis” Anglo-American control of North Africa became a convenient staging area for the invasion of Sicily (July 1943) and then southern Italy (Sept. 1943). The Italian govt. opened negotiations with the Allies in August Before a surrender could be negotiated, German troops swarmed the country, disarmed the demoralized Italian army, and took control of the country.

Invading the “Soft Underbelly of the Axis” A long grueling campaign in the mountains of Italy began. Allies advanced slowly and suffered heavy casualties. Became clear that the campaign in the Mediterranean was not likely to bring about a final victory. By the end of 1943, U.S. and British military planners had divided to give priority to plans for a cross-channel invasion. The rest of the campaign in the Mediterranean would take a back seat.