Why did the axis forces go want to conquer Africa? It seemed to me that it was a huge area to take and keep and and for what military advantage
They needed to capture the Suez Canal. A major link between Britain and the Empire. Then onto the oilfields of The Middle East.
They needed to capture the Suez Canal. A major link between Britain and the Empire. Then onto the oilfields of The Middle East. That just about sums it up. Along with a possible southern thrust from the south into Russia
That just about sums it up. Along with a possible southern thrust from the south into Russia Ah, forgot that as the fighting in North Africa started before the Russian Front. Also Italy had Colonies in Africa. They fancied their chances at making their Empire bigger too.
Ah, forgot that as the fighting in North Africa started before the Russian Front. Also Italy had Colonies in Africa. They fancied their chances at making their Empire bigger too. But the Italians began their territorial expansion back in 1936 and the fighting in West Africa began before North Africa.
Italy invaded Libya in 1912. In 1940 Italy decided to invade Egypt, a big mistake, originally the Afrika Korps was only sent to assist the Italians and to stop the British entering Libya. However, Rommel had other idea`s and took the fight to the British, it was only when he reached Alamein, that the Axis began to seriously think about reaching the Suez and further. To sum it all up very briefly. MF.
Of course, there is the realist point of view on the Africa campaign. Everyone piled in because it was there. And because Germany/Italy needed to try and stop the Allies in the Med, and to block the Suez. But these are just minor issues...
its also worth noting that the italians invaded 1mile of egypt and then dug in , british forces massed not long after the only real british forces out there was the western desert group made up of a whole division of indians , 7th armoured and other austrailans etc back then all they had was armoured cars but they held the italians back well with regular ambushes etc
wasnt germany also forced to enter that african conflict because the italians drew the english there and needed assisstance??
wasnt germany also forced to enter that african conflict because the italians drew the english there and needed assisstance?? Don't mean to be picky but you'll upset the Welsh, Scots and Irish calling us all English. Conversly you'll upset us English by mixing us up with them. We're all British. The British were already in Eygpt. You're right though the Ities were being beaten so Hitler had to send his troops to bail the Ities out.
We're all British. I'm not. I'm English. Lee, can i have a smilie with an English flag? Pretty please? Kitty
