Why did the Allies adopt a Europe First strategy?

Answer 1

During World War II, the Allies adopted a Europe First strategy for several connected reasons. They viewed Germany as the greater threat, in terms of its war-making power. Further, they considered that if Germany were to be given any breathing-room, its power would increase much more significantly than would Japan in the same situation. Finally, the threat of decisive "super-weapons" was more likely to come from Germany than from Japan.

Answer 2

Because Nazi Germany was a bigger threat to Europe than the Japanese Empire was.

With the loss of four of their 6 aircraft carriers in the Battle of Midway on June 6, 1942, the Japanese were essentially defeated; their expansion was contained, and submarine warfare would starve the Japanese out.

In Europe, the Germans already controlled France, the low countries, much of Russia, much of Norway, and a good swath of North Africa. Plus, Stalin was demanding that the Allies assist the Soviet Union against Germany. Liberating France and defeating Germany was the important thing.