WW2 - Churchill and the war in Italy Flashcards
1
Q
Where did US and Britain invade in 1943?
A
Sicily
2
Q
What was the outcome of the invasion of Sicily?
A
Failed to prevent Germans retreating to the mainland
3
Q
How was the Mediterranean secure?
A
All in Allies hands:
- Sicily
- North Africa
- Gibraltar
- Malta
- Cyprus
4
Q
How many Allies divisions were occupied with heavy fighting in Italy.
A
16
5
Q
State of Italy by 1932?
A
- Weakened by defeats
- No longer a serious threat
- Germans were established in Italy, but British had naval supremacy and considerable air power
6
Q
When was D-Day?
A
June 1944
7
Q
Why was there delay for D-day?
A
- Such high casualties expected that the invasion was put off. The more Russia weakened Germany and the more the Allied bombing campaign was hitting German cities, the fewer losses there may be from invading northern Europe.
- The long struggle in Italy was not anticipated and the Allies hoped that bold landings might speed the process, such as failed landings in Anzio (Rome) 1944.
- British policy was to maintain dominance over Mediterranean to preserve links to the empire and to extend British interests in south eastern Europe. Ensured by “percentages agreement” with Stalin in 1944.
- Invasion of Sicily (Italy) seemed logical after the long pursuit of German forces after the battle of El Alamein in 1942.
8
Q
The “percentages agreement”?
A
Between Stalin and Churchill in 1944.
Divided eastern Europe into Russian and British spheres of influence.
