The USSR's Pressure on the Western Allies in World War II: The Urgency of Second Front

The demands of the Soviet Union (USSR) on the Western Allies during World War II were multifaceted and critical for the survival and eventual victory of the Soviet Union. The primary pressure was to establish a second front, a move that would dramatically alter the course of the war in Europe.

The Press for a Second Front

The USSR's main motivation was the creation of a second front. Stalin's engineers and strategists were aware that the delay in establishing a foothold in Northwestern Europe was a significant point of contention, marked by intense frustration and heated negotiations with the Western Allies. The USSR had been fighting the bulk of the Wehrmacht for nearly four years, a burden made more severe by earlier supply agreements with Germany. The invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, coupled with this prolonged conflict, left the USSR exhausted and in dire need of assistance.

Timely and Comprehensive Aid

After the urgent request for a second front, the USSR’s other essential needs were met by the Allies, particularly the United States. The US ramped up its manufacturing and agricultural output, providing critical support to the Red Army and Red Air Force. This support was so comprehensive that the Red Army soldiers were often referred to as ‘the second front.’ Without this crucial assistance, the Soviet army and its populace would have faced significant shortages, with many Soviet children being fed and clothed from Western sources. It is also important to note that Britain and the Commonwealth played a significant role in supplying the Soviet people, providing up to half of the total supplies the US provided, depending on the source of information.

Military Preparations and Successes

While the US and UK worked to set up the necessary military situations, strategic challenges and logistical hurdles were abundant. The goal was to draw German forces away from the Eastern Front to alleviate the pressure on the Soviet Union. The first step was successful when US and Allied forces drove the Germans from North Africa, a move that effectively forced Hitler to withdraw from the Battle of Kursk. The invasion of Sicily further influenced German strategy, compelling them to redeploy their forces and use their 88mm guns for anti-aircraft defense.

Despite the strategic bombings carried out by the USAAF and RAF, the true success of this campaign was somewhat questionable until the advent of long-range escort fighters like the P-51. The campaigns in Italy, though politically motivated to knock Italy out of the war, proved to be less efficacious due to the mountainous terrain. An invasion into southern France might have been more effective in disrupting German lines, but the decision to focus on Italy had its geopolitical advantages.

The Normandy Invasion: A Turning Point

The Normandy invasions in June 1944 finally opened the second front as the USSR had long demanded since early 1942. While this late development caused some friction among Soviet citizens, it ultimately proved to be a critical turning point in the war. The delay in this event was understandable given the US entry to the war with a small trained military, and the complex objectives and challenges of a global conflict. The invasion marked a significant shift, with the Western Allies now dealing with multiple fronts, which further strained German resources.

In conclusion, the USSR's pressure on the Western Allies was both urgent and legitimate. The successful establishment of a second front, along with the comprehensive and timely aid provided by the Allies, ensured the eventual victory in World War II, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the conflict.