57 pages • 1 hour read
Rick AtkinsonAn Army at Dawn
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Roosevelt's decision to invade North Africa rather than attack Germany through Berlin was met with significant criticism from his military advisors. In hindsight, what were the pros and cons of this decision? Why was it considered so controversial at the time?
In what ways did the temperament of various commanders, Allied and Axis alike, alter the course of the war? Which leaders possessed temperaments that were conducive to the battlefield? Which did not?
As much as strategy, tactics, and morale, Atkinson argues that strong logistics are a crucial component of any military offensive. Why is that? What events in the book support Atkinson's view?
Why was Roosevelt's decision to demand unconditional surrender at the Casablanca conference so controversial? How might the war have ended had Roosevelt not made his demand?
How did Hitler's ego and arrogance jeopardize sound tactical thinking and the Axis war effort in general? Can you identify examples of ego trumping tactics on the Allied side as well?
In what ways was the disaster at Kasserine Pass a turning point for the Allies in North Africa? In terms of both personnel and morale, what changes were made that improved the Allies' odds of victory?
How did Eisenhower improve upon his performance as supreme commander over the course of the North African campaign? How did Eisenhower's example mirror the United States' progress as a military and diplomatic power during the war?
What is Atkinson's opinion of Patton? Do you believe that his actions during the North African campaign harmed his legacy as a great general?
How did Bradley exemplify the qualities Atkinson values in a general? How did Bradley differ from some other commanders in the Allied camp, both in terms of tactics and temperament?
How was the North African campaign a turning point in World War II? Furthermore, how was the campaign a turning point for the United States in general, particularly with respect to its relations with Great Britain?
