Control of Sea Routes:
- Britain depended heavily on imported goods, and the northern sea routes provided a crucial lifeline for shipping supplies from North America and the Soviet Union. Securing these routes was essential to maintain Britain's war effort.
Access to Resources:
- The Arctic region and Scandinavia possessed valuable natural resources, including iron ore, nickel, and timber, which were important for both military and civilian needs. Britain aimed to have access to these resources and deny them to Germany.
Prevention of German Expansion:
- Germany had begun to show interest in acquiring territory and resources in Scandinavia and the Arctic. Britain wanted to prevent Germany from gaining a foothold in these regions, particularly in Norway, which could provide Germany with strategic bases for naval operations in the North Atlantic.
Support for Soviet Union:
- Britain hoped to provide assistance to the Soviet Union, which was also fighting against Germany. By keeping the Arctic sea routes open, Britain could deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union, contributing to their war effort.
Norwegian Campaign:
- In April 1940, Britain commenced the Norwegian Campaign to prevent Germany from occupying Norway. However, the campaign ultimately failed, and Norway came under German control. This setback highlighted the difficulties of executing the Northern Strategy and the challenges posed by German dominance in the region.
Despite the setbacks, Britain continued to prioritize its northern strategy throughout the war, engaging in naval operations, diplomatic efforts, and intelligence gathering to maintain influence and control in the northern waters.