Roosevelt supported the 'Europe First' strategy because he viewed Nazi Germany as the most immediate and significant threat to global security and democracy. By focusing efforts on defeating Germany before fully engaging in the Pacific theater against Japan, he aimed to prevent the Axis powers from gaining further strength. This approach also allowed for the pooling of resources and coordination among Allied nations, maximizing the effectiveness of military operations against a common enemy. Ultimately, Roosevelt believed that securing victory in Europe was crucial for ensuring long-term peace and stability.
To end the German threat first.
Only germany was considered a serious long term threat
Spain did not support him at first.
The Allies adopted the "Europe First" strategy during World War II to prioritize defeating Nazi Germany, which was seen as the most significant threat to global security. This approach allowed them to concentrate resources and military efforts in Europe while containing the Japanese threat in the Pacific. By securing victory in Europe, the Allies aimed to weaken Axis powers and ultimately create a stronger position for subsequent operations in the Pacific theater. The strategy reflected strategic military assessments and the need for a coordinated approach to ensure a comprehensive defeat of the Axis powers.
The Americans decided that they would adopt a "Europe First" strategy, and fight a war of attrition against the Germans in tandem with a Soviet offensive campaign coming from the East to defeat Hitler. Against Japan the Americans took an island-hopping strategy to avoid the cost of rooting out the Japanese defenders on every single island that Japan had taken during their sweeping offensives of 1938-1942.
"Europe First" strategy
the war in europe
To concentrate on fighting the Japanese in the Pacific
The Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a decisive victory for the United States against Japan, significantly weakening the Japanese navy and shifting the balance of power in the Pacific. This success allowed President Roosevelt to redirect resources and focus on the European theater, as the immediate threat from Japan had been diminished. With Japan temporarily on the defensive, Allied forces could prioritize defeating Nazi Germany, thus facilitating a Europe First strategy. The victory at Midway bolstered American morale and provided a strategic advantage that reinforced Roosevelt's commitment to prioritizing Europe over the Pacific in the overall war effort.
To end the German threat first.
Save Great Britain FIRST; Britain will support ALL US Military basing & supplies; save Europe next.
Save Britain FIRST (Europe First).
Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt both pursued a Europe first policy .
France had already fallen, Russia was holding it's own, so the US's strategy was to SAVE England (Great Britain) FIRST (Europe also), then defeat Japan. A LARGE part of this strategy stemmed from Churchill's constant lobbying efforts with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Had it not been for Churchill's efforts, Roosevelt may have had his Admirals & Generals do as they wished...as was attacking Japan in retaliation for their attacks on the United States. The people of the United States wanted to fight Japan...Roosevelt & Churchill were guided to fight Germany first (to save Great Britain).
The war in Europe. This is known as the "Europe First" strategy.
Only germany was considered a serious long term threat
Spain did not support him at first.