Question

Analyze why North Africa was a key location for the British to defend. (1 point)
A. • The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt.
B. • The Axis powers wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq.
C. • The Allies needed to protect the Cape of Good Hope from invasion.
D. • The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa.

Answer 1

B. • The Axis powers wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq.

North Africa was a key location for the British to defend because the Axis powers, particularly Germany and Italy, wanted to gain control of oil fields in Iraq. Oil was a crucial resource during World War II as it fueled military operations and machinery. The British recognized the strategic importance of preventing the Axis powers from gaining control of the oil fields, as it would have significantly impacted their ability to sustain their war effort. Therefore, they focused on defending North Africa to ensure the security of the oil supply in the region.