Quote: |
Originally Posted by MontyB The problem with this is that it doesn't take into account the Italian campaign, if the plan was to prevent Soviet expansion then surely reinforcing the Italian front in 1943 and strengthening operation Anvil/Dragoon was a more secure option as they already had large supply bases in Italy and Sicily and it gave them a land route into France, Austria and Yugoslavia. | Monty: The Italian campaign was a sideshow and a serious distraction from the invasion of NW Europe as far as the Americans were concerned. That both the Africa and Italian campaigns were entertained at all demonstrates the influence the British and Churchill still had it the middle part of the war. Logistically it was a nightmare for the Allies, and a major victory for the Germans who put a fraction of the resources into the defence of the Italian peninsula. With regards to land routes the allies had little chance of getting through the Alpine passes before Germany was virtually finished, a cul de sac if there was ever one.
__________________
Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. Herman Goering
|