World War Two (strategy) Flashcards
(36 cards)
What was the war initially given the nickname of in 1939 when conflict appeared non-existant?
The Phoney War
How long did the Phoney War last and why was it called a Phoney War?
The Phoney war lasted until the spring of 1941 and it was called so because there did not seem to be any fighting taking place. Britain did not have to fight as it believed it was secure behind the twin barriers of the RAF and France. It was thought that Hitler would subsequently exhaust his forces in Eastern Europe.
In what month and year dis Chamberlain resign as Prime Minister?
May, 1940.
Why was Chamberlain forced to resign in May 1940? (two main reasons)
- mistakes made during the Norway campaign 2. incapable of effectively committing to the war effort.
When did France fall to Germany? What famous event got British troops of the continent?
May, 1940. The evacuation of Dunkirk.
Why did the fall of France in May 1940 demand that British strategy be rethought?
Because the fall of France left Britain incredibly isolated and vulnerable. It had lost its last line of defence against the Germans. It became and ‘Island Fortress’
What famous event has now come to be seen as a symbol of Britain’s isolation and determination in WWII and when was it?
The Battle of Britain, 1940
What key points of communication did Italy and Japan attack that belonged to Britain when they entered the war?
Suez Canal and South East Asia
When did the U.S enter the war and why was it’s time of entry significant?
December 1941 after the attack of Pearl Harbour. It is significant because up until this point Britain had largely been isolated without allies in its fight against the Axis powers.
Where did Churchill initially say the U.S and Britain should focus their fights rather than opening a second front in eastern Europe?
The Mediterranean and North Africa.
Name the five key reasons british policy makers were reluctant to open a second front between 1941-43.
- Difficulties of an amphibious attack (dieppe raid) 2. strength of the German army and air force 3. weak morale 4. manpower shortages and a shrinking british army 5. waiting on U.S entry.
What two main roles did the Royal navy fulfil in WWII?
- Protecting sea routes which allowed vital supplies of food and munitions, equipment for the army, raw materials and machine tools to keep Britain functioning. After 1942 it also was crucial to moving US troops to the front. 2. As a blockade against Germany. Policy makers were confident that the navy could be used to force the germans into submission but german control of eastern Europe meant that this was not the case.
What does SOE stand for?
Special Operations executive (although fondly known as the Baker Street irregulars)
what was the role of the SOE?
to undertake sabotage and guerrilla operations in mainland Europe. Espionage and Reconnaissance missions were also undertaken.
as an estimate around how many people were employed by the SOE?
13,000
What was blanket bombing and why was it controversial?
No specific targets were laid out, just a region. This meant there was no focus on stopping innocent civilian deaths and it could have high levels of destruction. (Hamburg firestorm)
What strategy did blanket bombing replace?
Surgical strikes- daylight attacks on specific targets
What were the two principal reasons that Britain focused on a peripheral strategy securing the Mediterranean and North Africa from 1940 onwards?
- Route to India-the key imperial highway; vital to maintaining trade and communications between Britain and the empire. 2. Churchill hoped that by fighting in the Mediterranean he could persuade the Balkan states, specifically Greece, Yugoslavia and Turkey to join the war effort.
What was the principal reason for the beginning of the North African campaign (1940-43)?
When the italians entered the war mussolini immediately focused upon trying to take the Suez canal. which was reinforced by the German Afrika-Korps in 1941.
What was the Lend-Lease Agreement and why was it significant?
A program under which the United States supplied Great Britain, the USSR, Free France, the Republic of China, and other Allied nations with material between 1941 and August 1945. It was signed into law on March 11, 1941 nine months before the U.S entered the war; $31 billion went to Britain. It was a Significant step away from U.S policies of non-intervention even if it was not directly participating in the war.
Why did Britain loose precedence in military strategy in WWII after mid-1943
because the full U.S force capability had been deployed in Europe and Britain was forced to follow its lead in determining strategy.
At what conference did Churchill and Roosevelt agree upon a ‘Germany First’ strategy?
ARCADIA Conference (December 1941- January 1942)
Why was Britain still able to influence policy making significant from 1941-42?
Britain still held the military balance in Europe.
Where was operation torch?
North Africa and then a subsequent Sicily campaign.
