



Trident Conference

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseWinston Churchill arrived at Washington DC in May 1943 for the 14-days-long conference in the speedy HMS Queen Elizabeth, the world's largest troopship (converted liner), as if to contest the United States' increasing role as world leader. Churchill and Roosevelt met every other day in the White House, while various British and American military leader met almost daily in the Board of Governors room in the Federal Reserve Building. Some agreed upon items were as follows:

Churchill got the invasion of Italy he wanted, with a postponement of their promised land-offensive against the Japanese (and to aid the Chinese) in Burma. Churchill argued that action in Italy would divert German troops from the Eastern Front, therefore give Russia breathing room and maintain their resistance.

Roosevelt got the invasion of France he wanted, with a tentative date of May 1944 to cross the channel. More details with this operation would subsequently be discussed.

Americans were free to attack the Japanese-held Marshall and Caroline islands. This fell in line with what the Americans had planned previously.

ww2dbaseThis conference further pushed Americans to the forefront of world leadership, as Roosevelt and his American commanders demanded, and got, a double-demand of military resources to carry on campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific, while the British had to concede several of their requests.

ww2dbaseSources: The Pacific Campaign, U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Last Major Update: Apr 2005

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11 May 1943 Winston Churchill arrived in Washington DC, United States for the Trident Conference scheduled to start on the next day. 12 May 1943 The Trident Conference began in Washington, DC, United States.

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