Analyze why North Africa was a key location for the British to defend. (1 point)
• The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa.
• The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa.
O The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt.
• The Allies needed to protect the Cape of Good Hope from invasion.
The correct answer is:
- The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt.
During World War II, North Africa, specifically Egypt, was a crucial location for the British to defend due to its significance in maintaining shipping lanes. Controlling Egypt allowed the British to maintain control over the Suez Canal, which was a vital route for shipping goods and supplies to and from India and the Far East. Losing control of this shipping lane would negatively impact the British war effort by hindering the transportation of troops, equipment, and resources essential to their operations in other theaters of the war. Therefore, protecting the shipping lanes through Egypt was a key priority for the British.