The decision to invade North Africa, rather than to strike directly across the channel in 1942, was the crucial strategic decision of the first year of the war-time Anglo-American alliance. It determined the course of Allied strategy against Germany for the ensuing two years, and effectively ensured that the British and U.S. military effort in Europe was concentrated in the Mediterranean during that period. In consequence, the opening of the second front in Horth-West Europe, so much desired by the sorely pressed Soviet Union, was postponed until 1944. -- From the book jacket.

List of maps: Strategic possibilities, 1942 ; The landings in North Africa ; The North African campaign.

Editors introduction -- Preface -- Prologue: the war in 1941 -- The significance of French North Africa -- The creation of an Allied war-machine and an Ally strategy: the Arcadia conference, December 1941-January 1942 -- The protracted argument: January- July 1942 -- From decision to action: August-November 1942 -- The campaign in North Africa: November 1942-May 1943 -- Epilogue: the consequences of “Torch” -- Appendix: strategic full circle.