Introduction
The Second World War was responsible for more destruction than any other conflict in human history. The conflict killed millions of combatants as well as an even higher number of civilians as a consequence of bombardment, hunger, and premeditated programs of mass murder. The war ended with the Allies’ victory; however, it might have turned out to be different if the leaders had chosen other options at one point. This point was the war on the Western Front from the summer to autumn of 1940.
The Axis and the Allies
Several choices were available to Germany, Italy, and Japan, as well as options open to France, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. According to Weinberg (1995), Germany’s new opportunity in the mentioned period was the preparation of military forces for the invasion of the Soviet Union. At some point, Hitler also considered collaborating with Britain and making an armistice with the French. Italy was given an option to occupy North Africa, while Japan saw perspectives of gaining control over Southeast Asia. However, the other choice for Japan was to remain at peace with the United Kingdom and the United States (Weinberg 1995). As for France, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, this particular moment invited them to cooperate against the Axis (Weinberg 1995). These options are described accurately and cover the situation in the given period entirely.
Conclusion
To conclude, there have been opportunities for both the Axis and the future Allies. While the former could expand their dominance at the expense of keeping the strategically important military resources in their hands, the last one could have allied earlier than they did. Hence, the middle of 1940 was the period of crucial choices and decisions that influenced the turn of the World War II.
Reference
Weinberg, G. L. 1995. A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.