Allied Strategy in World War II: The European Theater" by Walter Scott Dunn Jr.
"Axis Strategy in the Pacific Theater" by James T. Boulton
"The Allied and Axis Strategies in World War II" by John Keegan
Four-paragraph summary of research findings:
The research conducted by Walter Scott Dunn Jr., James T. Boulton, and John Keegan focused on the strategies employed by both the Allied and Axis powers during World War II. Each author examined a specific theater of the war, with Dunn Jr. focusing on the European theater and Boulton on the Pacific theater. Keegan, on the other hand, provided a more comprehensive analysis of the strategies employed by both sides.
Dunn Jr.'s research on Allied strategy in the European theater revealed the key factors that led to their eventual victory. He highlighted the importance of the D-Day invasion, which successfully opened up a second front against Germany and forced them to fight a two-front war. Additionally, he discussed the effectiveness of the Allied bombing campaign, which weakened German infrastructure and disrupted their ability to wage war. Overall, Dunn Jr. concluded that the Allies' strategy of combined arms warfare, utilizing both ground and air forces, was crucial to their success in the European theater.
Boulton's research on Axis strategy in the Pacific theater shed light on the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy's approach to the war. He analyzed their early successes, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent rapid expansion of their empire. Boulton argued that the Japanese strategy was based on a combination of surprise attacks and preemptive strikes, aimed at quickly disabling their opponents and securing territory. However, he noted that as the tide of the war turned against Japan, their strategy became more defensive in nature, focusing on protecting their remaining territories rather than expanding further.
Keegan's comprehensive analysis of both Allied and Axis strategies in World War II provided a broader understanding of the war as a whole. He identified common themes across theaters, such as the importance of logistical support and the use of deception tactics. Keegan also highlighted the disparity in resources between the two sides, with the Allies ultimately benefiting from their superior industrial capacity. Overall, his research emphasized the significance of strategic decision-making in determining the outcome of the war.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Dunn Jr., Boulton, and Keegan shed light on the strategies employed by both the Allied and Axis powers during World War II. Their findings highlighted the significance of factors such as combined arms warfare, surprise attacks, logistical support, and the industrial capacity of each side. These research insights contribute to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the war.