Analyze why North Africa was a key location for the British to defend.(1 point) Responses The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa. The Allies wanted to protect the cotton production in North Africa. 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 needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt. The Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt. The Allies needed to protect the Cape of Good Hope from invasion

1 answer

North Africa was a key location for the British to defend during World War II primarily because the Allies needed to maintain shipping lanes through Egypt. The Suez Canal, located in Egypt, was a crucial maritime route that connected Europe to British colonies in Asia and provided access to vital resources and military logistics. Protecting the Suez Canal allowed the Allies to secure their supply lines and enabled them to move troops and equipment more efficiently. Additionally, controlling this strategic location helped prevent Axis powers from cutting off British access to the resources and reinforcements necessary for the war effort. While other factors, such as oil fields and cotton production, were also significant, the importance of the shipping lanes through Egypt stands out as a central concern for defense and logistical strategy.