How Effective Were Churchill's Strategic Decisions During The War In The Mediterranean Flashcards
When did Italy join the war?
1940, and attached southern France
who was a potential threat to the entrance to the Mediterranean at Gibraltar?
Franco
Who was the other threat to the Suez Canal and Middle East for Britain from 1942?
The Germans, who had driven the Russian forces back considerably in the south with the potential for the German to gain vital oil fields in southern Russia and the Middle East
Who was British forces highly successful against in North Africa?
The Italians
Who was the most serious enemy in the Middle East for the British?
The German Afrika Korps, with Rommel as its commander
What battle was crucial in winning Africa against Germany?
The Battle of El Alamein
Which American general saw little point in wasting resources in the Mediterranean and argued for taking the pressure of Russia?
Marshall
What was the points for helping the Russians than focus on the Mediterranean?
The German Atlantic fortifications were not yet built in 1942
The success of the war depend on the survival of Russia and also in engaging with and defeating the main German forces
The mediterranean was a distraction and of limited strategic importance
When was Italy weakened by defeats and was no longer a serious threat?
1943, with the invasion of Sicily by British and US forces, securing the Mediterranean
What are arguments against an extended campaign in Italy?
The Germans had good numbers there, though Britain had naval supremacy and considerable air power, and f Italy and fallen, it is difficult to see how this would have led to the defeat of Germany, with German forces still in France
Why was there such an delay on D-Day?
Such high casualties were expected, so delaying was expected with Russia weakening Germany and Allied Bombing doing damage
There was a not expected long struggle in Italy with failed landing at Anzio, south of Rome in 1944
British policy was to maintain British dominate over the Mediterranean
The invasion of Sicily and Italy seemed the next logical step after the Battle of El Alamein
