The sands of North Africa became the proving ground for some of World War II’s most legendary commanders, as German General Erwin Rommel—nicknamed The Desert Fox—led a bold campaign against the British Eighth Army. In this episode of Hearthside History, we follow the dramatic rise and fall of the Axis war effort in North Africa.

From early Italian failures that forced Hitler to send Rommel and the Afrika Korps into battle, to lightning-fast offensives that pushed the British to the brink, we explore how tactical brilliance and battlefield deception nearly won the day for the Axis. But as the campaign wore on, supply shortages, relentless British counterattacks, and the arrival of American forces turned the tide.

How did Rommel’s battlefield genius both propel and doom his army? Why did Hitler hesitate to fully support the campaign? And how did victories in the desert shape the Allied war effort in Europe? We break down the critical battles, the key turning points, and the brutal realities of desert warfare in this high-stakes fight for control of North Africa.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Hearthside History, leave a five-star review, and share it with fellow history lovers. And if you’re looking for more thrilling history, check out other great podcasts from Past Cast Studios—dive into legendary heists with Heistories, uncover the worst jobs in history with History’s Worst Paychecks, or see who would win in epic warrior matchups in History Fight Club.

Next time, we move from the scorching sands of Africa to the frozen fields of the Eastern Front as we cover Operation Barbarossa, Hitler’s disastrous invasion of the Soviet Union.

Tune in, and let’s bring history to life!