Question

at their meeting in january of 1942, what argument persuaded president roosevelt and prime minister churchill to pursue a \europe - first\ strategy?
it was felt that germany posed a greater threat than japan.
the united states was preparing to fight japan, the strongest axis nation.
military leaders felt it was necessary to focus on europe first.
the allies had to stop germany from sending reinforcements to japan.

Explanation:

Germany had more resources, a larger military, and was closer to defeating the Soviet Union. Defeating Germany first would end the war more quickly and prevent a two - front war for the Allies. Japan was a threat but had a more limited industrial base and was overextended in the Pacific. Military leaders also supported this view, but the core argument was the greater threat from Germany. The United States was already preparing to fight Japan, but the focus was on Germany. Germany and Japan were not in a position to easily send reinforcements to each other.

Answer:

It was felt that Germany posed a greater threat than Japan.