Between 1940 and 1943 British and Commonwealth troops, together with contingents from occupied European countries and the United States, fought an ultimately successful campaign to clear North Africa of German and Italian forces. At the heart of the Allied effort was the 2nd New Zealand Division.
Who fought in the Battle of North Africa?
The North African Campaign was fought between the Allies and Axis powers, many of whom had colonial interests in Africa dating from the late 19th century. It took place from June 10, 1940, to May 13, 1943, and included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
What caused the African campaign?
The North African Campaign was fought mainly for two reasons. The first was the Suez Canal, which was crucial to controlling the Middle East. The second was Middle Eastern oil resources. … Italian forces became a potential threat to Allied supply routes in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Why was ww2 fought in Africa?
The battle for North Africa was a struggle for control of the Suez Canal and access to oil from the Middle East and raw materials from Asia. … Oil in particular had become a critical strategic commodity due to the increased mechanization of modern armies.
Why was the North African campaign so important?
They were strategically important for both the Western Allies and the Axis powers. The Axis powers aimed to deprive the Allies of access to Middle Eastern oil supplies, to secure and increase Axis access to the oil, and to cut off Britain from the material and human resources of its empire in Asia and Africa.
Why did Germany want North Africa?
The war in Africa was to play a key role in the overall success of the Allies in World War Two. … By 1941, the Italian army had been all but beaten and Hitler had to send German troops to North Africa to clear out Allied troops. The German force was lead by Erwin Rommel – one of the finest generals of the war.
Why did Germany go to North Africa?
In January 1941, Adolf Hitler established the Afrika Korps for the explicit purpose of helping his Italian Axis partner maintain territorial gains in North Africa. “[F]or strategic, political, and psychological reasons, Germany must assist Italy in Africa,” the Fuhrer declared.
Which countries fought to free North Africa?
| North African campaign | |
|---|---|
| Allies British Empire United Kingdom India Australia New Zealand South Africa United States Free France Algeria Tunisia Morocco Poland Greece Czechoslovakia | Axis Italy Libya Germany Vichy France Algeria Tunisia Morocco |
| Commanders and leaders | |
What side was Algeria on in ww2?
During World War II, Algeria, along with North Africa, were under the control of Nazi Germany and Vichy France. On November 8, 1942 the Allies launched the first major offensive of the war codenamed Operation Torch. Allied Forces led by Dwight D.
When did the African campaign end?
June 10, 1940 – May 16, 1943
Did Mexico fight in ww2?
Mexico became an active belligerent in World War II in 1942 after Germany sank two of its tankers. The Mexican foreign secretary, Ezequiel Padilla, took the lead in urging other Latin American countries to support the Allies as well. … A small Mexican air unit operated with the United States in the Philippines.
Why did Japan attack us?
The Japanese intended the attack as a preventive action to keep the United States Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military actions in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Did WWII affect Africa?
The war helped build strong African nationalism, which resulted in a common goal for all Africans to fight for their freedom. World War II led to decolonization of Africa by affecting both Europe and Africa militarily, psychologically, politically, and economically.
Why did the US choose to land in North Africa before continental Europe?
Why did the United States choose to land in North Africa before continental Europe? A. U.S. troops could safely land in North Africa since it was controlled by the Allies.
What tanks were used in North Africa?
The main battle tanks used by the Germans in Africa were Panzer III and IV’s which proved effective during Blitzkrieg, but were not up to standards on the Eastern Front.
How was the North African campaign a turning point?
The second battle of El Alamein, which began on 23 October 1942, was the turning point of the North African campaign – the longest and most important land campaign fought by New Zealanders in the Second World War. … Almost 10,000 New Zealanders were killed or wounded; another 4041 became prisoners of war (POWs).