Why was Egypt a strategic importance in WW2?

In a world-wide conflict, control of Egypt assured effective communication lines, and important air and sea routes. Of particular importance was the Suez Canal, which provided a much shorter route for moving troops and material between the European and Pacific theaters.

Why Egypt was of strategic importance to the British?

Role within the Empire The foremost British interest in Egypt was always because of its strategic position. However profitable contracts and business was in the country, it was the fact that Egypt lay between Britain and India that made it so vitally important for the British.

Did Egypt help in WW2?

Although Egypt provided facilities for the British war effort during World War II (1939–45) in accordance with the 1936 treaty, few Egyptians backed Britain and many expected its defeat. The Wafd, its power confirmed by overwhelming success in the general election of March 1942, cooperated with Britain.

Was Egypt neutral in WWII?

Consequently, despite playing host to thousands of British troops following the outbreak of the conflict, as it was treaty bound to do, Egypt remained formally neutral during the war, only declaring war on the Axis powers in the spring of 1945.

Why was capturing Egypt’s Suez Canal important?

12) Why was capturing Egypt’s Suez Canal so important to the Axis Powers? It was they key to accessing the oil fields of the Middle East.

Which Battle do you think was most important in turning the war?

the Battle at Stalingrad
In the end, many historians believe the Battle at Stalingrad marked a major turning point in the conflict. It was the beginning of the march toward victory for the Allied forces of Russia, Britain, France and the United States.

Why did the British want to colonize Egypt?

In Egypt British rule had important political and economic effects. The main interest of the British in Egypt was to keep control of the trade route that ran through Egypt to the Red Sea and then on to India. Egyptians were also an important market for British industries to sell to.

Why did the Germans invade Egypt?

But sitting in Egypt were British troops, which, under a 1936 treaty, were garrisoned there to protect the Suez Canal and Royal Navy bases at Alexandria and Port Said. Hitler had offered to aid Mussolini in his invasion, to send German troops to help fend off a British counterattack.

Was Egypt invaded in ww2?

The Italian invasion of Egypt (Italian: Operazione E) was an offensive in the Second World War, against British, Commonwealth and Free French forces in the Kingdom of Egypt. The Italian strategy was to advance from Libya along the Egyptian coast to seize the Suez Canal.

Why was the Suez Canal so important in ww2?

The Suez Canal allows one to travel from the Mediterranean or North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean without having to circumvent the continent of Africa. A ship traveling from the UK to India could expect to save 2 weeks travel time by using the canal.

Why was the Suez Canal so important to the British Empire before ww2?

The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea. It enables a more direct route for shipping between Europe and Asia, effectively allowing for passage from the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean without having to circumnavigate the African continent.