What critical decision did the Allies make regarding Germany during World War II?

The decision to defeat Germany before Japan was based on several strategic considerations that shaped Allied military strategy during World War II. The Allies recognized that Germany posed a significant threat to Europe and was the primary aggressor in the conflict, initiating the war by invading Poland in 1939.

Defeating Germany was seen as crucial for the stability of Europe and for protecting the sovereignty of nations that were invaded. The Allied leaders, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, agreed that Germany was the most immediate threat and that resources should be focused on achieving victory in Europe first. This strategy was formalized through conferences, such as the Casablanca Conference in 1943, where Allied leaders determined that they would accept nothing less than the unconditional surrender of Germany.

This focus on Europe came at a time when Japan had already been engaged in expansionist actions in Asia, but the perception was that the defeat of the Axis powers would be more manageable if Germany were neutralized first. The subsequent operations in Europe, including D-Day and the liberation of occupied territories, illustrate the commitment to this priority before turning full attention to the Pacific Theater and Japan.