Question

At their meeting in January of 1942, what argument persuaded President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill to pursue a “Europe-first” strategy? It was felt that Germany posed a greater threat than Japan. The United States was preparing to fight Japan, the strongest Axis nation. Military leaders felt it was necessary to focus on Europe first. The Allies had to stop Germany from sending reinforcements to Japan.

Answer 1

It was felt that Germany posed a greater threat than Japan.

Germany was the primary threat to Great Britain, so Churchill did not really need persuading about that. It was also feared that Germany was the greater threat to the Soviet Union. President Roosevelt was under pressure in the United States to focus on Japan because of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, but Germany's declaration of war against the USA (on Dec. 11, four days after the Pearl Harbor attack) made the Europe First strategy agreeable for the USA. The Europe First policy was decided at the Arcadia Conference held in Washington, DC, Dec. 22, 1941 to Jan. 14, 1942.

Answer 2

The correct answer here is the first option.

It was deemed at the Arcadia conference, that was held in Washington, that the "Europe first" strategy would be employed as Germany was the greater threat to the Allied forces than Japan. The Soviet Union and Great Britain both were in more immediate peril and required assistance. That is why the allies focused on Europe first.