Unusual Alliances: African Support for the Germans During World War II

During World War II, alliances and support varied widely across the globe. One unique and often overlooked aspect of this conflict was the support from African territories for the German forces, particularly in those parts where they had a significant Arab presence. This support went beyond mere economic or strategic interests and reflected deep-seated political and cultural affinities. This article explores the African countries that supported the Germans and how this support influenced the course of the war.

Arab Support for the Germans

One of the most surprising and influential sources of support for the Germans during the war came from various Arab territories in North Africa. Arabs were already subject to European colonial control, and as a result, they often saw the Germans as another European power. Furthermore, many Arabs found favor with the Germans due to their treatment of the Jewish population, which they perceived as fairer than that of the British and French. The German policy of deporting Jews to concentration camps was, in fact, seen as a form of “ethnic cleansing” by some Arabs, especially in comparison to the harsh colonial policies enacted by the British and French colonizers.

Limitations of African Support

It is important to note that during the period of World War II, not all African territories were fully sovereign. In fact, there were very few independent African states at that time. The majority of the continent was still under colonial rule, with only a few notable exceptions:

Ethiopia, which was occupied by Italy and known as Abyssinia but maintained a significant degree of autonomy. Egypt, which was a British protectorate but had its own local government. Liberia, which declared neutrality and maintained a policy of non-involvement. South Africa, which was part of the British Commonwealth. The remainder of the African continent was made up of various colonies, many of which were solely used for resource extraction and had little say in international affairs.

Egypt: Axis Ambitions and American Intervention

One of the most significant instances of potential cooperation between the Axis Powers and an African territory was in Egypt. During the North African campaign, the Axis forces under Erwin Rommel achieved remarkable successes, prompting Egyptian dissidents to form plans to welcome the German and Italian forces and seize control of the Suez Canal. However, a key turning point came with the arrival of American tanks and supplies to the Allies.

In July 1942, the United States transferred M3 Lee/Grant and M3 Stuart tanks to the British, providing crucial assistance in halting the German advance at El Alamein. The Allied intervention, backed by substantial American aid, proved instrumental in repelling the Axis forces and ensuring the continued security of the Suez Canal. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global alliances and the decisive role that American aid played in the North African theater of World War II.

Conclusion

The support of African territories, particularly those with significant Arab populations, during World War II offers a fascinating insight into the complex geopolitical landscape of the era. While the support was limited due to the colonial context and the lack of full sovereignty, it nonetheless had a significant impact on the strategic calculations and outcomes of the war. Understanding this unique alignment provides a broader context for the broader narrative of World War II and highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of international relations in the mid-20th century.