Question

Why would WWII be more complex for the US than WWI?

Answer 1

In World War II the United States had to fight on two fronts that were very different.

Explanation:

In World War I The US had to fight only on one front the Western Front in France.

In World War II The US had to fight on multiple fronts.

In the European Front the US had to fight the battle of Atlantic against German Submarines and planes. Besides shipping supplies and troops to England the US also had to ship supplies to Russia a difficult and complex operation through Arctic waters.

Then on the European Front the US landed troops and fought in North Africa, Italy, Southern France, Normandy, and finally Germany itself.

In the Pacific Front the US had to fight both naval and amphibious operations against Japan. The US had to balance the Navy's needs for supplies and ships, and the Armies need for supplies and troops.

Besides fighting Japan directly America was also supporting the Chinese, Australians, and British.

The US was flying supplies to the Chinese over the Hump and supporting the Chinese fight against Japan.

The US had troops in Burma fighting along side the British to stop Japan's push to take India.

The Australians worked with the US in the south Pacific to slow and then reverse Japan's conquest of the islands and hopes to conqueror and occupy Australia.

World War I was easy, send troops to France and defeat Germany.

World War II was difficult send troops and ships all over the world.
Balancing where and how much resources to send to each theater of operations was complex.

Then there were the political aspects with Russia, England, China and Australia all wanting the max resources to support their theater of operations. Also the political fighting between the different branches of the Armed forces.