Evaluate the importance of the wartime alliance (1941–1945) to the defeat of the Axis powers in Europe.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the importance of the wartime alliance (1941–1945) to the defeat of the Axis powers in Europe. Candidates may refer to the wartime alliance as providing essential resources and supply chains that increased the Allies’ capacity to continue fighting (American supplies to both Great Britain and the Soviet Union). Candidates may refer to the industrial power and production capacity of the wartime allies as having significant importance. Factories in the US and the Soviet Union were safe from German air attacks. There may also be discussion of huge resources in terms of manpower available to the Allies. Candidates may refer to the coordination of campaigns of the wartime alliance on the Axis powers, particularly on Germany. Candidates may refer to adaptations that the wartime alliance made in terms of air and naval tactics. While other relevant factors, for example the strategic errors made by the Axis powers, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.