Essay On The Significance of North African Conflict

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Assess the significance of the conflict in North Africa to the outcome of war in Europe

The conflict between the Axis Powers (Germany and Italy) and the Allied Powers (Britain and the United States) in North Africa was highly significant to the outcome of World War II in Europe. Mussolini began the assault on North Africa in September 1940 and in March 1941, the German general Erwin Rommel took over the campaign with the Afrika Korps with much initial success. However, with troops and resources tied up in Russia and the formidable resistance of the Allies, they were forced to surrender on 13 May 1943, having achieved none of their initial aims. The failure of the Germans and Italians was highly significant to the Allies eventual success in World War II as their morale was boosted, they were able to restrict vital supplies from the Axis powers, they received geographical opportunities to launch Operations, and “the soft under-belly of the Axis powers” (David Thompson) was exposed.