Roosevelt believed, probably correctly, that the Germans would continue the war whether or not Japan was able to continue fighting and furthermore, probably erroneously, that the Japanese were likely to capitulate as soon as the Germans surrendered. Therefore, a victory in Europe might well kill two birds with one stone, saving much money and many lives.
"Europe First" strategy
During World War II, the 'Europe First' strategy of the Allies was the simple commitment to concentrating superior force against Hitlerite Germany before focusing on any all-out effort against Japan in the Pacific Theater. In practical effect, this strategy led to a successful conclusion of the European Theater's conflict early in 1945; however, American forces had even before this time begun successful offensives against Japan that would result in final victory only a few months later.
D-Day was the first time in years that the Allies had a large and powerful force on the ground in Europe.
It was a turning point in the war. Up until that point, Germany had been gaining ground. D-Day marked the first push forward by the allies, and led to the eventual defeat of Germany and liberation of europe. Correction* - first push forward in Europe. The allies had already taken back North Africa by this point.
The Big Three—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin—adopted a strategy of prioritizing the defeat of Nazi Germany before focusing on Japan, known as the "Germany First" strategy. This approach involved coordinated military campaigns across multiple fronts, including the North African campaign, the invasion of Italy, and the D-Day landings in Normandy. The strategy began to succeed in 1943, with significant victories such as the Battle of Stalingrad and the Allied invasion of Sicily, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Allies. By mid-1944, the Allies had regained substantial territory in Europe, leading to the eventual defeat of Germany in May 1945.
Germany posed the most serious, long-time threat to all allied countries.
Germany posed the most serious, long-time threat to all allied countries.
Only germany was considered a serious long term threat
The war in Europe. This is known as the "Europe First" strategy.
Japan’s victory at the Battle of Coral Sea had frustrated Allied objectives
The Allies agreed on a Europe First strategy primarily because they viewed Nazi Germany as the most significant and immediate threat to global security and stability. By focusing their efforts on defeating Germany first, they aimed to weaken the Axis powers' capabilities and prevent further aggression in Europe. This strategy allowed them to consolidate resources and coordinate military operations effectively, while also ensuring that the liberation of occupied countries could pave the way for a more coordinated approach to Japan in the Pacific later on.
The Allies' first strategy in Europe during World War II was primarily focused on a defensive approach, aimed at containing Axis advances while building up resources and forces. This strategy included the decision to prioritize defeating Germany before turning full attention to Japan. Key operations, such as the establishment of a defensive perimeter and strategic bombing campaigns, were implemented to weaken German capabilities. The eventual outcome was the planning of a large-scale invasion, which culminated in the D-Day landings in 1944.
"Europe First" strategy
During World War II, the 'Europe First' strategy of the Allies was the simple commitment to concentrating superior force against Hitlerite Germany before focusing on any all-out effort against Japan in the Pacific Theater. In practical effect, this strategy led to a successful conclusion of the European Theater's conflict early in 1945; however, American forces had even before this time begun successful offensives against Japan that would result in final victory only a few months later.
greatest threat to allies
greatest threat to allies
D-Day was the first time in years that the Allies had a large and powerful force on the ground in Europe.