History WW2

1. NORTH AFRICA AND
THE
MEDITERRANEAN
By
James Riley
Andrew Waddell
Thomas Carruthers

2. Aims
Axis and
Allies- North Africa contained oil
- Egypt was crucial for the allies because
of the Suez Canal as a vital supply route
from Britain to its empire in India,
Australasia the far east.
- Any attack on North Africa was
discouraged by France and Britain.

3. First Movement
When France was
defeated. Germany
and Italy were in a
stronger position.
Libya, controlled by
Italy, invades Egypt
and gains control of
oil.

4. Defence
German forces were sent with General Rommel to take
back area of Libya and Egypt but north Libya was
‘uncontrolled’. Neither side was able to gain an
advantage.
(Operation Compass)

5. Further North

6. Tobruk
Germany and Italy
returned into driving
Egyptian forces back, re-
gain control of oil.
Egyptian forces were
reorganised and drove
Libya from the east.

7. North Africa Ended British landed in western
corner of north Africa and
pushed from the west
Forces from east and west
conquered Libya and Tunisia.

8. Italy
Allies conquered Sicily
and pushed into Italy.
Italy’s government
surrendered.
Rome was taken but
German forces held.
German resistance
continued until May
1945.
Impact of North
Africa and
Mediterranean on
rest of WW2:
Movements got
Italy out of the war.
Kept allies in
control of oil.