(A) because their supply lines had become overextended
(B) ** to wait for the Russian army to arrive
(C) due to fierce German resistance
(D) at the announcement that President Franklin Roosevelt had died
(E) because all bridges over the river had been destroyed
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -In 1945, the Elbe was the site of the monumental link-up between the Western Allies and the Red Army. Near the end of the war, American forces were ordered to halt at the Elbe, allowing the Soviet Union to attack and seize Berlin, and the Elbe became part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.
Concept note-2: -Throughout the spring of 1945, American forces continued to push the German Army eastward. It was only a matter of time before they made contact with the Russian army. The first meeting, documented in morning report entries, took place on the banks of the Elbe River near the town of Strehla on April 25, 1945 (see map).
Concept note-3: -Eisenhower gave us three reasons for standing on the Elbe: His armies were already well beyond the line of the western occupation zones that had been agreed to with the Soviets. Why take casualties for land that would have to be handed over?
Concept note-4: -Soviet and American troops meet at Torgau, Germany.