- The British Empire has been present since the end of the 19 th century in Egypt. The British placed Egypt under its protectorate, then granted its independence in 1922, while leaving armed troops behind.
- Mussolini wanted to wage a war against the English to establish his authority in Africa (Italy was present in particular in Libya and Ethiopia). However, the successive failures of the Italian army push Hitler to intervene in the Mediterranean and in Africa. Erwin Rommel, commander of the expeditionary force sent to Africa, will chain the victories in Africa between February and April 1941.
- Rommel's strategic effectiveness at the head of the armored troops brings the German army into Egypt.
1942
Characters
Winston Churchill
Adolf Hitler
Benito Mussolini
Bernard Montgomery
Erwin Rommel
Procedure
The battle of El-Alamein is actually a battle that makes up the "desert war". After taking the city of Tobruk on June 21, 1941, the Germans wanted to continue their progress. The stakes are strategic:it is a matter of taking Alexandria, the Suez Canal, and then pushing as far as oil from Iraq.
In July, Rommel tries to take the city of El- Alamein, 60 km from the Egyptian capital, but was forced to retreat at the end of August. This event is sometimes called the First Battle of El Alamein.
On November 2, 1942, General Montgomery, at the head of the English troops, decided to attack the Germans, first preparing the offensive with an intense artillery bombardment. Supported by the navy and the air force, the Allied troops, much more numerous than the Germans, were victorious on November 4.
Rommel decided to withdraw his troops towards Benghazi (Libya), while Hitler orders him to continue fighting. The English chose not to pursue the fleeing enemy, fearing a counter-offensive.
Consequences
- The Allied victory at El-Alamein is a turning point in World War II. First victory against the armies of the Axis, it is followed by the victories of Stalingrad (USSR) and Midway (Pacific).
- On November 8, 1942, the Anglo-Americans landed in Algeria and Morocco. German troops deployed in Africa surrendered in May 1943.