What would’ve happened if…
FDR had appeased Stalin in invading France when initially asked in 1943
What actually happened:
* General George C. Marshall was in favor of a plan to invade France in May, 1943
* The Soviet Union really wanted the invasion to happen ASAP, as they were the ones who were facing the worst of the attacks from Germany
* Britain wanted to launch other attacks before an invasion like finishing off the North Africa Campaign and attacks on southern Europe. Britain’s urging prompted FDR to hold off the invasion until later
* The Soviet Union was in a less dire situation after holding off German forces at Stalingrad in the winter of 1942-1943.
* This “less dire situation” just meant that it had weakened Germany, the Soviet Union had enormous casualties as well
* FDR knew that postponing an invasion of France would upset the USSR
* Instead of invading France, launched the invasion of Sicily
* Additionally, the plan had initially been to invade in late 1943, but with so many Allied forces in North Africa, the plan was postponed, putting further strain on the relationship with the USSR
Potential outcomes if this had been different
* Better relationship with the Soviet Union, potentially easing the impact and even avoiding the Cold War
* However, the Cold War was only partly a result of tensions from WWII and was also seriously impacted by the naturally expansive and very different ideologies the 2 nations held
* Worsened relationship with Britain
* Would make negotiations difficult as, despite this powerful appeasement of the USSR, they would likely still hold similar positions in conflict with the US’s post-war goals and Britain would potentially be spiteful on top of that
* Postponed/avoided the invasion of Sicily, Mussolini’s dictatorship would have lasted longer, leading to more problems
* Mussolini’s successor, Pietro Badoglio, would not have come into power in 1943, so Italy would not join the Allies
* Germany might not have then established a defensive line in Italy
* Also, Nazi Germany wouldn’t be as close to death if we invaded France earlier leading to a difficult and very bloody invasion, even if we did surprise them as we did on D-Day
Long-term impacts
* Stalin wouldn’t have died because us reducing his stress and making him happy inside would’ve prevented his cerebral hemorrhage
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✨Fanfiction✨
I wake up, already feeling like today is going to suck. Yet another meeting just to shine light on the disagreements and disorganization we face in this war. Despite having called this conference, being in Iran puts me on edge, but this must be done.
After breakfast, I grab my pen and paper and wheel to the meeting room. Fashionably late; when I ride in, everyone is already sitting down, but they didn’t dare start without me. Churchill displays a mix of approval and disgust on his face, jealous, but grateful to be on this team. Stalin’s eyes, however, shoot bullets, calling me arrogant and selfish with just a look.
“As we were saying,” Stalin says, “the best next move is an invasion of France and opening up of a second front against Germany.”
“Objection. No one said that,” retorts Churchill.
“Actually,” I throw in, “one of my best generals suggested the same thing.” Stalin gives me an utterly baffled look that screams, did he just agree with me? “It could be a good plan.” Churchill is just as shocked.
“...but we’re beyond entrenched in Africa. There’s no way we can launch another assault right now. It’ll just have to wait, Joseph,” says Churchill.
“No,” I say, doubling down, “I think we should do it.” Now, Stalin smiles to himself, reveling in Churchill’s growing anger. Am I making a mistake, I wonder. No. This was Marshall’s suggestion. So what if Stalin agrees. I’m doing this for Allied success, not for him. Why am I even worried about that? “Don’t take it personally, Winston. It’s just a matter of strategy.”
“So, I’m stupid? You don’t trust my judgement, my strategy? You’re giving up on Africa? I can’t finish it alone. What is happening here?” This might be a problem in the future. I glance at Stalin and he’s already looking at me. Shoot.
“Again, Winston, it’s nothing to do with you. However, we will need your help.”
In terms of disagreement, I wasn’t disappointed, it was just a matter of who...plausibility of logistics aside, this could cause some issues when negotiations come around. Hopefully, Churchill doesn’t hold as much of a grudge as he’s hinting at, leaving the table and all. I need some fresh air.
I wheel out to the back courtyard of our location only to find I wouldn’t be alone as I had hoped. Stalin takes a drink from an Iranian servant girl. It looks to be some kind of iced tea, but it surely has alcohol in it. He tips her. Is he just unfamiliar with the structure of society in Iran, unfamiliar with servants, or is he flirting? I shouldn’t care, but I roll my eyes. He sees me roll in as he watches the servant girl walk away.
“What do you want,” He asks, “to come and brag about how much help you’ll be?” I should have known this would happen. No matter how much I tell Churchill I’m just doing this to win the war, Stalin will still think I’m trying to be a hero.
“Actually, I came here for some fresh air. You’re just an unfortunate side effect.” Stalin snorts. We sit apart from each other in the courtyard. It’s an odd sort of separate communion. I wonder if this new offensive will make peace negotiations look any different. Likely not. Stalin obviously still believes me to be a pseudo-ally, waiting for a vulnerable moment to show my true colors, or maybe just believes me utterly selfish, neither ideal in creating an environment conducive to agreement. Plus, now I’ve got an angry Churchill to deal with. Perhaps this was a bad plan…
“You made the right choice,” Stalin says, startling me out of my thoughts. Is he reading my mind? How did he know that was what I was thinking about?
“Well of course you would think so,” I say. He laughs.
“I supposed I would,” he pauses, “but if I were you, I would’ve made the same decision, given that it appeases a powerful player in your future.”
“A powerful player?” I snort.
“You can’t deny it. I mean, we’re both a part of the so called Big Three.” I laugh. Who could’ve guessed Stalin could be funny. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Roosevelt. God willing Churchill stays out of our business.” He winks.
✨To be continued (not really)✨
Have no fear; this crime against humanity is not to be continued 😁