Torch was a compromise operation that met the British objective of securing victory in North Africa while allowing American armed forces the opportunity to begin their fight against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy on a limited scale. The French colonies were aligned with Germany via Vichy France but the loyalties of the population were mixed.
Reports indicated that they might support the Allies. The American General Dwight D. Eisenhower , supreme commander of the Allied forces in Mediterranean theater of the war , approved plans for a three-pronged attack on Casablanca Western , Oran Centre and Algiers Eastern , then a rapid move on Tunis to catch Axis forces in North Africa from the west in conjunction with the British advance from Egypt.
The Western Task Force encountered unexpected resistance and bad weather but Casablanca, the principal French Atlantic naval base, was captured after a short siege. The Centre Task Force suffered some damage to its ships when trying to land in shallow water; Oran surrendered after bombardment by British battleships. The Eastern Task Force met less opposition and were able to push inland and compel surrender on the first day. Darlan was assassinated by a monarchist six weeks later and the Free French gradually came to dominate the government.
The principle of Europe first was agreed upon, but British and Americans had different views on how to implement it. Americans favoured a direct approach with first a limited landing in Operation Sledgehammer , and then a follow-up main thrust in Operation Roundup. The British pressed for a less ambitious plan. They realized the build-up of American forces Operation Bolero would take time, and there was not enough shipping available for large operations.
Winston Churchill proposed to invade North Africa. But President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to support the Russians and as any Pacific operation would be of no help to them, he agreed to the North-African operation. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed as Commander in Chief Allied expeditionary Force, and he set up his headquarters in London.
