why did the allies decide to wage a campaign in north africa rather than the european mainland?
a. it would require fewer resources and pave the way for an allied invasion of italy
b. it would allow the allies to gain control of the precious oil fields in the middle east
c. it would force axis to retreat from stalingrad and give the soviets a chance to regroup
d. it would prevent the axis from receiving reinforcements from japan's indian ocean fleet
