D-DAY: THE BUILD UP
The invasion that started the liberation of France required more than two years of careful planning – detailed consideration that began almost as soon as the United States entered the war
1942
January 14: ARCADIA
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 (and near-simultaneous attacks on British territories in the Far East), the United States and the existing Allies declared war on Japan, while Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, drawing the emergent superpower into a two-theatre conflict.
Allied leaders were quick to devise strategies, with the First Washington – Arcadia – Conference coming to order on December 22, 1941. By the end of the meet on January 14, 1942, US President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, together with military officials and representatives, agreed a ‘Germany first’ approach, planting the seeds for D-Day with planning for a crossChannel attack beginning immediately. The conference also established the Combined Chiefs of Staff, ensuring the unity of command necessary for any future invasion.
April 1: ROUNDUP
US Army planners presented their proposals for a crossChannel invasion, Operation Roundup, on April…
