Global Realignment: Could Greater Latin America and African Nations Outmaneuver the Axis in WWII?

The historical and strategic significance of global realignment during World War II cannot be understated. What if Latin American countries and independent African nations joined forces with the British Commonwealth, all except the United States, in combating the Axis powers? This question invites a deep dive into the implications and feasibility of such an alliance.

Introduction: The Complexity of WWII

World War II (WWII) was a complex and strategic endeavor involving multiple global powers and theaters of conflict. The Axis powers, consisting primarily of Germany, Japan, and Italy, were formidable foes, and the Allies, which included the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, were crucial in turning the tide of the war.

The German-Turkey-Mexico Plot and Latin America's Role

One interesting historical footnote is the Zimmerman Telegram plot, where Germany attempted to convince Mexico to join their side and turn against the Allies. Germany's gambit was intercepted and revealed to the US, leading to the US entering the war. Would Latin American involvement, specifically from countries like Brazil and Mexico, have made a significant difference?

Assume that all Latin American countries and independent African nations, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Liberia (considered an independent nation during the war), joined with the British Commonwealth, excluding the United States, which supplied weapons, equipment, and logistical support. Could this have shifted the balance of power?

The Soviet Union and Its Role

The Soviet Union played a crucial role as an ally of the Allies. If the Soviet Union remained an ally, Germany's defeat was inevitable. Latin America's possible contribution would generally be regarded as ancillary to the larger strategic goals.

Liberia, one of the independent African states at the time, and the majority of Africa, which was under colonial rule by European powers, did not significantly aid the war effort. Ethiopia, which had faced Italian invasion, was part of the sphere of British influence. South Africa was also under British control. So the real opportunity for demographic and military resources lay in the British and French colonies.

The Pacific Theater: Japan's Role

The Pacific theater, involving Japan, remained a critical factor in the war. Japan's decision to attack the United States at Pearl Harbor did not come without strategic considerations, but the outcomes of further conflicts in the Pacific were less clear. Would Japan still have chosen to attack the US, or could a different scenario play out with the Axis powers driven westward?

Brazil's Participation and Recruitment Challenges

Brazil did participate in WWII, but the Brazilian divisions were not as effective as realistically expected. The Brazilian military tradition and spirits lacked the necessary strength to maintain a credible fighting unit. Effective leadership and a cultural familiarity with military strategy were crucial, but not commonly found in the Brazilian ranks.

Regional forces, such as the French colonies and British colonies, already contributed troops to their respective armies. Integrating African and South American forces would add to the logistical and operational complications of the war, with mixed results.

Military Strategy and Decisions

The ultimate success of any military campaign, especially involving new or less experienced forces, would depend heavily on the existing infrastructure and leadership quality. The United States, having provided significant support, would essentially keep the Allies afloat with the necessary logistical and technological advantages.

While the Soviet Union would benefit from modern equipment like B-17s, B-24s, and P-47s, the operational capability to effectively utilize these technologies remained a significant hurdle. Much of the Soviet population lacked the necessary skills and familiarity with modern equipment, making an entirely modern army unfeasible.

The renewed military presence from the United States and the United Kingdom in the Soviet Union would provide a critical boost. However, the success of the Soviet Union in the war would depend largely on the strategic errors made by Adolf Hitler, who made significant mistakes that would eventually lead to his downfall, albeit at a considerable cost in lives and resources.

In conclusion, while the hypothetical scenario of Latin American and African nations joining the British Commonwealth in WWII might have presented some strategic advantages, the complexities involved, including leadership, technology, and logistics, make it a risky and uncertain proposition. The war's outcome would ultimately be decided by the human and technological resources available to each side, along with the strategic moves and errors made throughout the conflict.