5.1 The Middle East during World War II
3 min read•august 9, 2024
World War II dramatically reshaped the Middle East. The saw fierce battles between Allied and Axis forces, with key figures like Rommel and Montgomery leading troops across the desert.
Meanwhile, political upheaval gripped Iraq, leading to the . The region's strategic importance grew as supply routes through Iran became vital for supporting the Soviet war effort against Nazi Germany.
North African Campaign
Key Battles and Operations
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- North African Campaign encompassed major military operations in North Africa from 1940 to 1943
- launched in November 1942 as an Allied invasion of French North Africa
- Aimed to gain control of Morocco and Algeria
- Involved American, British, and Free French forces
- in 1942 marked a turning point in the North African Campaign
- Allied forces under Montgomery defeated Axis powers led by Rommel
- Halted Axis advance towards Egypt and the Suez Canal
Notable Military Leaders
- , known as the "Desert Fox," commanded German Afrika Korps
- Renowned for his tactical skills and innovative use of tanks in desert warfare
- Led successful campaigns against British forces in Libya and Egypt
- , British field marshal, took command of the Eighth Army in 1942
- Implemented new tactics and boosted troop morale
- Crucial in Allied victory at El Alamein and subsequent North African campaign
Political Complexities
- controlled French North African territories at the start of the campaign
- Officially neutral but collaborated with Nazi Germany
- Operation Torch targeted Vichy-held territories, leading to their switch to Allied side
- Free French forces under played a role in liberating North Africa
- Helped legitimize de Gaulle's leadership of the French resistance
Conflict in Iraq
The Anglo-Iraqi War
- Anglo-Iraqi War, also known as the Iraqi Revolt, occurred in 1941
- Lasted from May 2 to May 31, 1941
- Resulted from tensions between Iraqi nationalists and British forces
- British forces intervened to protect their interests in Iraq, particularly oil resources
- Deployed troops from India and to suppress the revolt
- Conflict ended with British victory and re-establishment of pro-British government in Iraq
Key Figures and Events
- led a pro-Axis coup in Iraq in April 1941
- Sought support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy to oppose British influence
- His government lasted only briefly before being overthrown by British forces
- refers to the violent pogrom against Jewish population in Baghdad
- Occurred on June 1-2, 1941, following British victory in the Anglo-Iraqi War
- Resulted in deaths of hundreds of Iraqi Jews and destruction of Jewish property
- Marked a turning point in Jewish-Arab relations in Iraq
Other Wartime Developments
Strategic Supply Routes
- served as a major supply route for Allied aid to the Soviet Union
- Stretched from Persian Gulf ports through Iran to the Soviet border
- Allowed for transport of military equipment, food, and other supplies
- Operated under Lend-Lease program, with US troops assisting in logistics
- Iran's strategic location led to in 1941
- Ensured control over Iranian oil fields and secured supply route to USSR
Military Units and Recruitment
- formed as a unit of the British Army in 1944
- Composed of Jewish volunteers from Palestine and other areas
- Fought against Nazi Germany in Italy during the final stages of World War II
- Provided military training and experience to future Israeli military leaders
- Recruitment of local populations into Allied forces occurred across the Middle East
- Included formation of in Transjordan and
Key Terms to Review (16)
Anglo-Iraqi War: The Anglo-Iraqi War was a conflict that took place in April 1941, when British forces invaded Iraq to re-establish control over the country after a coup d'état led by pro-Axis forces. The war was significant in the context of World War II, as it was part of the broader struggle between Allied and Axis powers in the Middle East, showcasing Iraq's strategic importance due to its oil resources and geographical position.
Anglo-Soviet Invasion: The Anglo-Soviet Invasion refers to the joint military operation conducted by British and Soviet forces in 1941 to invade and occupy Iran during World War II. This operation aimed to secure oil supplies and ensure a supply route to the Soviet Union, while also preventing Axis powers from gaining influence in the region. The invasion marked a significant moment in the Middle East during the war, reshaping geopolitical dynamics and influencing post-war arrangements.
Arab Legion: The Arab Legion was a military force established in the early 20th century, primarily composed of Arab soldiers and founded by the British in Transjordan. It played a crucial role during World War II, supporting the Allied forces against Axis powers, particularly in the defense of the Middle East. The Arab Legion later became an essential part of the Jordanian armed forces after the establishment of the Hashemite Kingdom.
Battle of El Alamein: The Battle of El Alamein was a significant military engagement during World War II that took place in North Africa from October 23 to November 11, 1942. This battle marked a turning point in the Western Desert Campaign, where Allied forces, primarily British, faced off against the Axis powers led by German General Erwin Rommel. The victory at El Alamein not only halted the Axis advance into Egypt but also set the stage for the eventual Allied success in North Africa.
Bernard Montgomery: Bernard Montgomery was a British Army officer who played a crucial role as a commander during World War II, especially in the North African and European theaters. Known for his leadership at the Second Battle of El Alamein, he significantly contributed to the Allied victory over Axis forces in the Middle East, impacting the course of the war.
Charles de Gaulle: Charles de Gaulle was a French military leader and statesman who played a significant role during and after World War II, notably as the leader of the Free French Forces. He became a symbol of French resistance against Nazi occupation and later served as the President of France, shaping its post-war identity and policies, including its approach to the Middle East during a tumultuous period.
Erwin Rommel: Erwin Rommel was a German Field Marshal during World War II, renowned for his leadership in the North African Campaign. He earned the nickname 'Desert Fox' due to his cunning tactics and innovative strategies against Allied forces in the challenging desert environment. His role in North Africa had significant implications for the Middle East during the war, as it influenced military operations and geopolitics in the region.
Farhud: The farhud refers to a violent pogrom that occurred in Baghdad, Iraq, in June 1941, targeting the Jewish population amidst the backdrop of World War II. This event marked a significant turning point in Jewish history in Iraq, where long-standing tensions erupted into chaos, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread destruction of property, ultimately leading to the mass emigration of Jews from the region.
Jewish Brigade: The Jewish Brigade was a unit of the British Army formed during World War II, comprising Jewish volunteers from Palestine who fought alongside Allied forces in the Italian campaign. This brigade played a vital role in the context of Jewish nationalism and the fight against Nazi Germany, representing a significant step towards the establishment of a Jewish military presence and identity during the war.
North African Campaign: The North African Campaign refers to a series of battles and military operations in North Africa during World War II, primarily fought between the Axis powers (primarily Germany and Italy) and the Allied forces (mainly British Commonwealth nations and later the United States). This campaign was crucial for control over the Suez Canal and access to Middle Eastern oil supplies, making it a significant theater in the larger conflict of World War II.
Operation Torch: Operation Torch was the British-American invasion of French North Africa during World War II, launched in November 1942. This operation aimed to secure the region from Axis powers and establish a foothold for further operations in Europe, making it a pivotal moment in the Allied campaign in the Middle East and North Africa.
Persian Corridor: The Persian Corridor was a vital supply route during World War II that facilitated the movement of military and logistical resources from the United States and Britain to the Soviet Union. This corridor included both land and air routes through Iran, which was strategically significant for the Allied forces in their fight against Axis powers, particularly after Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.
Rashid Ali al-Gaylani: Rashid Ali al-Gaylani was an Iraqi military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Iraq during pivotal moments in World War II. He is best known for leading a pro-Axis coup in 1941, aiming to align Iraq with Germany and Italy against British colonial influence. His actions had significant implications for Iraq's political landscape and its relationship with foreign powers during the war.
Syrian Legion: The Syrian Legion was a military unit established during World War II, composed mainly of Syrian volunteers. Formed under French colonial authority, it played a crucial role in the Free French Forces' campaigns in the Middle East and North Africa. The legion exemplified the complex dynamics of nationalism and colonialism in the region, as it was used to bolster the French military presence while also fostering a sense of local identity among its recruits.
Trans-Jordan: Trans-Jordan, also known as the Emirate of Transjordan, refers to the region located east of the Jordan River, which became an important area during the early 20th century, particularly in the context of British administration and the geopolitical landscape following World War I. This area was primarily populated by Arab tribes and played a significant role in the broader dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and nationalism during and after World War II.
Vichy France: Vichy France refers to the authoritarian regime that governed the unoccupied zone of France during World War II, after the country was defeated by Nazi Germany in 1940. This government, based in the town of Vichy, collaborated with the Nazis and implemented various policies, including anti-Semitic laws and the suppression of dissent, which had significant repercussions for both France and its territories in North Africa and the Middle East during the war.