The following power-points cover Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Referred to as the “soft underbelly” of the Axis Powers. You will need to use both to complete the questions below.
1942-1943 Operation Torch powerpoint (this should work on your chromebooks, be patient may need time to download).
Here is another powerpoint covering the details of Operation Torch and the Allied invasion of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy.
Operation Torch and Invasion of Italy PPT
1. Who was Field Marshall Erwin Rommel? What was his biggest challenge in defending Northern Africa from the Allies?
2. Who was General George S. Patton? Why was he “fired”?
3. Why was Tunisia so important to Operation Torch? What were some of the results of Operation Torch?
4. Why did the Allies decide to invade the Axis powers in Italy? Who mainly supported this strategy?
5. What three main locations did the invasion of Italy take place at?
6. What did the Allies learn from the invasion of Sicily?
7. What was the legacy of the invasion at Anzio?
8. Why was fighting in Italy so difficult and even considered to be disastrous in some cases for the Allies?
9. Why was the successful invasion of Italy so critical to the Allied War effort in 1942-43?
10. Who was Bill Mauldin? Select 1 cartoon to comment on. What is being shown? What is the message of this cartoon?
For Extra Credit follow the link below to read about Field Marshal Erwin Rommel & answer the questions (put these answers on the same paper, but be sure to label it):
1. Erwin Rommel was given the nickname “Desert Fox” by the British. Why do you think he was called this?
2. Some call the German/British fight in North Africa the “Gentlemen’s War”. After reading about Rommel, why do you think they say this?