We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
To save content items to your account,
please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies.
If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account.
Find out more about saving content to .
To save content items to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected]
is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings
on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part
of your Kindle email address below.
Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations.
‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi.
‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
This chapter examines Operation Torch, the 1942 British-American invasion of North Africa and the subsequent Allied decision to work with collaborationist Admiral François Darlan. America’s entrance into the conflict complicated the rhetoric of the Franco-British relationship. Historic imagery focussing on Franco-American collaboration marginalised Britain while American promises to protect the integrity of the French empire recalled Franco-British imperial rivalries. American letters, leaflets, statements and broadcasts conceptualised Torch using heroic and emotional sentiments. They played on historic sensibilities, such as the relationship forged between France and the United States during the Revolutionary War. And they promised to safeguard the French Empire, promises that Britain found offensive in light of their own assurances. After the invasions, the decision to work with Darlan was criticised by the British press and public. For the first time, de Gaulle’s movement enjoyed a significant rise in popularity amongst the British public, articulated through cultural sentiments such as fair play and support for the underdog. Public objections were linked to perceptions of morality. The debates that surrounded Operation Torch and its aftermath highlighted questions of military expediency and moral compromise and the role that the public played in defining acceptable wartime behaviour.
Recommend this
Email your librarian or administrator to recommend adding this to your organisation's collection.