Question 1
Conduct research online to locate at least three different sources from historians about the Allied and Axis strategies used in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. Use your research findings and text from this lesson to compare and contrast multiple perspectives. Use the table provided to record and organize your research findings.
Source 1: "Allied Strategy in World War II: The European Theater" by Walter Scott Dunn Jr.
Perspective: This source provides a detailed analysis of the Allied strategy in the European theater during World War II. According to the author, the primary goal of the Allies was to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control. They adopted a two-pronged approach, with the British focusing on the Mediterranean theater and the Americans leading the invasion of Western Europe through Normandy. The strategy involved extensive planning and coordination between multiple Allied nations.
Source 2: "Axis Strategy in the Pacific Theater" by James T. Boulton
Perspective: This source discusses the Axis strategy in the Pacific theater during World War II. The author argues that the Japanese focused on expanding their empire and gaining control over the Pacific region, particularly Southeast Asia. They aimed to establish a defensive perimeter that would stretch from the Kuril Islands in the north to New Guinea in the south. The Japanese employed a combination of naval and air power to secure their positions and launch surprise attacks on Allied forces.
Source 3: "The Allied and Axis Strategies in World War II" by John Keegan
Perspective: According to this source, the Allied and Axis strategies in both the European and Pacific theaters were shaped by factors such as geography, available resources, and the political objectives of each side. The Allies opted for a strategy of total war, aiming to defeat both Germany and Japan through a combination of military might and economic resources. The Axis powers, on the other hand, sought to exploit their initial gains and maintain defensive positions as long as possible.
Comparisons:
- Both Allied and Axis powers had specific objectives in the European and Pacific theaters, but their goals differed. The Allies aimed to liberate Western Europe and defeat Nazi Germany, while the Axis powers sought to expand their empire in the Pacific.
- The Allied strategy involved extensive planning and coordination between multiple nations, whereas the Axis powers relied more on surprise attacks and defensive maneuvers.
- Both sides employed naval and air power in their strategies, but the Allies had a larger pool of resources and were able to launch larger-scale offensives.
Contrasts:
- The Allied strategy in the European theater focused on a direct invasion of Western Europe through Normandy, while the Japanese in the Pacific theater aimed to establish a defensive perimeter and gradually expand their control.
- The Allied strategy in the European theater was largely successful, leading to the defeat of Nazi Germany, while the Axis strategy in the Pacific theater ultimately failed, resulting in the surrender of Japan.