1. Battle of El Alamein & Operation Torch
Nikolas Jurista, Kevin Murphy, (-)Daniel Song, Martin Vega

2. Thesis—From Ls to Ws
Having been challenged by the Axis Powers in Egypt, the Allied Forces launched a series of operations off the coast of North Africa in an attempt to retain jurisdiction over the Suez Canal and the resource-rich oil fields of the Arabian Peninsula. By surrounding the Axis via Operation Torch and the Battle of El Alamein, the Allies managed to both gain and withhold territory in Africa. In a change of pace, the Allies experienced their first victory in 11 months, marking a crucial point in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

3. Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery, “The Ferret”
“He was as quick as a ferret and about just as likeable,” hence his nickname .
Allied (British) commander in El Alamein
Eighth Army (1942)
Previously defeated in Egypt
Shot during World War I and was rewarded with the Distinguished Service Order award.
Unusual for young officer
Injury lead to his ideal of professionalism within the troops
He was a major “teetotaler”
Exercised caution in his leadership style
Led to his promotion before WWII
As commander, he was successful in turning the fate of the war
Leading to his honor in England and the other Allied states (exception to USA)
Contributed to almost all successful allied invasions

4. Erwin Rommel, “Desert Fox”
Born in ; Field Marshal in WWII Africa
Early admirer of Hitler, although he becomes disenchanted after Hitler refuses to accept the logistics of a losing war.
Known for his personal leadership, and his strong sense of the battle.
Criticized for lacking logic and tactical thinking.
Not true as he is aware of them at all times
Death:
Labeled an enemy of the state by Hitler
Given the option of a treason trial (loss of honor and moral for the troops) or suicide which would be reported as a heart attack.

5. El Alamein (October 23 to November 2, 1942)
Biggest battle in North African Campaign
“The Desert Fox” vs “The Ferret”
Huge tank battle where the Allies outnumbered the Axis two to one
Britain overpowers the German forces and defeats them overwhelmingly
Rommel was a military genius known for successful surprise attacks
Did not direct the Panzer Units during the whole battle because he was on sick leave
Replacement dies due to heart attack so when Rommel returns to battle Germany has no chance

8. Tanks
M4 Sherman: M3 Lee:

10. https://youtu.be/dpUXR7HsYIM
Operation Torch

11. The Arcadia Conference
Conference in Washington D.C. (Winter of )
Joseph Stalin puts pressure on the allies to open up a second front to take the stress off of the Russians in the east.
The suggested plans:
Bolero Plan: Supported by the Americans in particular
Build up of troops in England, leading to an allied invasion of Europe in (Operation Sledgehammer) or 1943 (Operation Roundup)
Operation Gymnast and Super-Gymnast: Supported by British
Allied invasion of North Africa
Approved by all nations
America split with the war with Japan
Name changed to Operation Torch

12. Map

13. The Initial Landings Amphibious landings started on November 8, 1942
The Coasts are defended by Vichy French
Majority of initial fighting is Allied vs. French, with some German artillery and aircraft involved
The Allies surprised the Allied sympathizers:
The French worked secretly with the Allies
Darlan, the former commander of the North African defense, clandestinely discussed plans with Robert Murphy (North African U.S. Diplomat) as well as the Allied military leadership :
Intentions to assist in Allied plans never comes to fruition
Petain (the French military commander, turncoat) relieves Darlan of his service in Africa
Not on his own wishes
Attempt to relieve the situation in France

14. Impact of Operation Torch
Allowed for Allied occupation of North Africa
Had power in Mediterranean, allowing them to attack Italy (soft underbelly)
Kicked out Axis from area
Truly changed their L’s to thick W’s, as well as hyping up the Allied countries
First occasion of US involvement, a major turning point

15. Timeline 11/8/42 10/23/42 12/7/41 9/1/39 11/2/42 11/16/42
Allies successfully land at Casablanca, Oran, Algiers. Take Algiers later that day.
_____________________
Start of Operation Torch
10/23/42
Montgomery launches offensive on Rommel
_________________ Battle of El Alamein begins
12/7/41
Attack on Pearl Harbor
_________________ Axis fail to get oil, US enters
9/1/39
War Begins
11/2/42
Battle of El Alamein ends with Allied victory
11/16/42
End of Operation Torch
11/18/41-12/30/41
Operation Crusader
__________________________ Last Allied victory prior to El Alamein/Torch
11/17/42-5/13/43
Tunisian Campaign
__________________________ Allies eject Axis from North Africa

16. Works Cited
History.com Staff. “Battle of El Alamein.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, Accessed 24 Apr
“Operation Torch (Algeria-Morocco Campaign).” United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Accessed 24 Apr
“Operation Torch: Allied Invasion of North Africa.” HistoryNet, HistoryNet, 12 June 2006, Accessed 24 Apr
Trueman, C N. “The Battle of El Alamein.” History Learning Site, The History Learning Site, 19 May 2015, Accessed 24 Apr
Trueman, C N. “Operation Torch.” History Learning Site, The History Learning Site, 19 May 2015, Accessed 24 Apr