The Western Front carried the greatest strategic weight, but other theatres could create severe problems for either coalition. Success at Gallipoli was intended to undermine Ottoman participation, relieve pressure around Suez, and reopen supply connections with Russia. Reopening the Dardanelles is also linked here with Allied access to Baku oil. An Ottoman success in Egypt would conversely threaten Britain's use of the Suez Canal. Fighting in the Pacific and Africa had different scales and purposes, with German activity in Africa contributing to Portugal's involvement. Gallipoli's proposed benefits depended on a success the campaign did not achieve.
Notable Point · 59:47-1:01:56
Gallipoli and Suez gave secondary fronts major strategic stakes
Operations outside the Western Front could threaten essential supply routes or change the pressure on an ally.