Europe first, also known as Germany first, was the key element of the grand strategy agreed upon by the United States and the United Kingdom during World War II. According to this policy, the United States and the United Kingdom would use the preponderance of their resources to subdue Nazi Germany in Europe first. Simultaneously, they would fight a holding action against Japan in the Pacific, using fewer resources. After the defeat of Germany—considered the greatest threat to Great Britain—all Allied forces could be concentrated against Japan.
In reality, the United States concentrated its resources in the early part of the war on stopping the advance of Japan and it was not until 1944 that the majority of U.S. resources were allocated toward the defeat of Germany.
Read more about Europe First: Grand Strategy, United States, Opposition, British/Commonwealth Involvement in The Pacific, Analysis
Famous quotes containing the word europe:
“I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)