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How did Operation Torch differ from the proposed Bolero Plan and Operation Roundup?

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Map showing the British and Axis military campaigns in North Africa during World War II, with labeled troop movements, key battles, and shifting front lines from Egypt across Libya to Tunisia along the Mediterranean coast. The map includes arrows and dates marking advances and retreats by both sides, and highlights major turning points and defensive lines. — North Africa campaigns Military drives, defensive lines, and key battles during the North Africa campaigns of World War II, 1940–43.

The primary difference between Operation Torch and the proposed Bolero Plan and Operation Roundup lies in their strategic focus and geographic theater of operations.

Bolero Plan and Operation Roundup: American strategists initially advocated for the Bolero Plan, which involved a massive buildup of Allied forces in Great Britain. This was intended to facilitate a direct assault on German-occupied Europe, specifically a cross-Channel invasion of France known as Operation Roundup, planned for 1943.12
Operation Torch: In contrast, the British favored an invasion of North Africa to secure the Mediterranean theater. Despite initial American resistance, the Allies ultimately prioritized this North African enterprise, which was code-named Operation Torch. Launched in November 1942, Torch effectively postponed the cross-Channel invasion plans, as resources and strategic focus were diverted away from the buildup in Britain toward the Mediterranean campaign.123

While Bolero and Roundup sought to open a second front by directly attacking the Third Reich in Europe, Operation Torch focused on clearing Axis power from North Africa, reflecting a fundamental disagreement between U.S. and British planners regarding the most effective path to victory.12