Why advancing in Italy mattered in Asia

Britain's position in the Mediterranean improved as the Italian front moved north, allowing more forces to move east. Because the Mediterranean linked the British Empire, the geography of the Italian campaign affected ships, crews, and supplies available beyond Europe. The video's blunt formulation is that Italy was about reaching Japan rather than Germany. That purpose did not diminish the British and American losses sustained in Italy. It explains why Allied planners accepted those costs while shortening routes and assembling experienced naval forces for the war against Japan.