Why did the French fight in North Africa?
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Why did the French fight in North Africa?
In return, Darlan ordered all French forces in North Africa to cease resistance to the Allies and to cooperate instead.
Why did France get involved in ww2?
The Phoney War Britain and France entered the Second World War following the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. There was a brief French advance into the Saar region of western Germany in September 1939, followed by withdrawal.
Why were we fighting in Africa during ww2?
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.
Who did France attack in ww2?
France and Britain declared war on Germany when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. After the Phoney War from 1939 to 1940, within seven weeks, the Germans invaded and defeated France and forced the British off the continent. France formally surrendered to Germany.
Did the US fight in Africa in ww2?
The campaign was fought between the Allies, many of whom had colonial interests in Africa dating from the late 19th century, and the Axis Powers. The United States officially entered the war in December 1941 and began direct military assistance in North Africa on 11 May 1942.
Why did France lose the battle of France?
France suffered a humiliating defeat and was quickly occupied by Germany. Its failure was a result of a hopelessly divided French political elite, a lack of quality military leadership, rudimentary French military tactics.
When did France join the Allies ww2?
In September 1939 the Allies, namely Great Britain, France, and Poland, were together superior in industrial resources, population, and military manpower, but the German Army, or Wehrmacht, because of its armament, training, doctrine, discipline, and fighting spirit, was the most efficient and effective fighting force …
What happened to Africa during ww2?
More than a million African soldiers fought for colonial powers in World War II. From 1939 hundreds of thousands of West African soldiers were sent to the front in Europe. Countless men from the British colonies had to serve as bearers and in other non-combatant roles.
How was France affected by ww2?
The devastation wreaked in France by WWII was nearly total. Its infrastructure and economy were ruined, its cities destroyed and the French that had survived the German occupation had little to eat and often even less money.
Why was Paris bombed in ww2?
Determined to wreck France’s economy and military, reduce its population, and in short, cripple its morale as well as its ability to rally support for other occupied nations, the Germans bombed the French capital without regard to the fact that most of the victims were civilians, including schoolchildren.
What happened in Africa during ww2?
The North African campaign of the Second World War took place in North Africa from 10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943. It included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts (Western Desert Campaign, also known as the Desert War) and in Morocco and Algeria (Operation Torch), as well as Tunisia (Tunisia Campaign).