Analyze why North Africa was a key location for the British to defend.(1 point)
Responses
The Allies needed to protect the Cape of Good Hope from invasion.
The Allies needed to protect the Cape of Good Hope from invasion.
The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt.
The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt.
The Axis powers wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq.
The Axis powers wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq.
The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa.
The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt. This is because the Suez Canal, located in Egypt, was a crucial route for the Allies to transport supplies and troops to the Middle East and Asia. Controlling North Africa allowed the Allies to safeguard this important shipping route.
The Axis powers wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq. North Africa was strategically positioned geographically, making it a gateway to the Middle East. The Axis powers, particularly Germany and Italy, sought to gain control of the vast oil reserves in Iraq to fuel their war efforts. Therefore, defending North Africa was crucial for the British to prevent the Axis powers from gaining control over these valuable resources.
The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa. North Africa, particularly Egypt, was known for its cotton production. Cotton was vital for textile industries and played a significant role in the British war effort. By defending North Africa, the Allies ensured that the Axis powers did not disrupt or gain control over this important source of cotton, which would have negatively affected production and supply chains.