What was Operation Torch and why was it important?

Operation Torch was important because it saw the Allies land in North Africa in November 1942, defeating Vichy French forces. It was the first joint operation of the war and was the beginning of the end for Axis armies in the region.

Did the French fight the US in WWII?

Pro-Vichy French forces fought US troops in the North Africa Landings of Operation Torch in November 1942.

What was the aftermath of Operation Torch?

The aftermath of Operation Torch saw the removal of Axis forces from North Africa, allowing the Allies to use the region as a springboard to invade occupied Europe via Italy.

Operation Torch

5 days left

Server Costs Fundraiser 2024

Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.

$14442 / $18000

❤ Donate

Definition

Operation Torch (aka the North Africa landings) landed Allied troops in French Morocco and Algeria on 8 November 1942 with the aim of removing German and Italian forces from North Africa. The first jointly-planned Allied operation of the Second World War (1939-45), Torch overcame difficulties such as the testing logistics of shipping troops directly from the United States and Britain and the large presence of Vichy French forces in North Africa, but the landings were ultimately successful, establishing the region as a launchpad for a future invasion of Italy.

More about: Operation Torch

Timeline

8 Nov 1942
Beginning of Operation Torch, the Allied North Africa landings.