Timeline : World War II in Africa
Between 10 June 1940 when Mussolini declared war against Britain and France, and 13 May 1943 when the last Axis troops in North Africa surrendered, Africa was a significant theatre of operation for World war II. Find out more about this significant period in Africa's history.
When Italy declared war against Britain and France in June 1940 it seemed inevitable that the conflict would come to Africa – Italy wanted an empire, and it was only on the African continent that it would be able to achieve such conquest. But even with Britain's pre-emptive forays into Libya, the war was slow to start…
One month into war in Africa and both sides were testing the waters – the British had to deal with the potential threat of a French fleet under the command of Germany, whereas Italy was looking to secure its position in East Africa…
