8. America’s Part in the Race
Through the most important part of the Second World War, much of the Allied resources had been put mostly into supporting Britain. During the final months of the war, however, these resources now went into supporting American troops. In deciding how Berlin would be captured, Britain’s General Montgomery was for the idea of a quick advance on Berlin. He had the most impetus, but Dwight Eisenhower rejected this proposal.
He stopped the forces under his command on 15 April right at the Elbe when they were almost set to attacking Berlin, with virtually just one obstruction between them and the target city, the German 12th Army under General Wenck. The section of the army under Lieutenant-General Simpson’s command crossed the Elbe. But that was the farthest they went as Eisenhower ordered Commander Simpson to put his advance on hold until they had met up with the Soviet troops at Dresden.
Marshal Zhukov’s assault started the following day. And while historians have taken a supportive or condemning stand on this decision, one thing remains true: Eisenhower had no doubt this was the best decision.