World War 2 (Pacific)

World military situation as US enters WW2

When the U.S. entered the war in 1941, Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) were dominating Europe and Asia. The Allies were struggling, and the U.S. had to quickly mobilize its economy and military.

“Europe First”

Allied strategy prioritizing defeat of Nazi Germany before focusing full attention on Japan in the Pacific.

Japanese motives for Pearl Harbor Attack

Japan wanted to cripple U.S. naval power in the Pacific to secure dominance in Asia and prevent American interference with its expansion.

Philippines surrender and Bataan death march

After Japan invaded the Philippines (then a U.S. territory), captured American and Filipino soldiers were forced on a deadly 65-mile march where thousands died from abuse and starvation.

Japanese view of American national culture

Japan viewed the US as weak, decadent, and lacking discipline, which motivated their attack and underestimated american resolve

American view of Japanese culture

US viewed Japan as fanatically militaristic and racially inferior, fueling propaganda and extreme wartime hotility

Japanese battlefield behavior

Fought to the death and refused surrender (bushido - warrior honor code)

Interment camps

facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and confined during World War II, justified by the U.S. government on the grounds of national security.

Battle of Midway

June 11942 - turning point, US navy defeated Japan’s fleet

Submarine warfare in Pacific

US submarines targeted Japanese merchant ships, crippling Japan’s supply lines and economy

Island hopping

a military strategy used by the U.S. during World War II to capture specific islands in the Pacific while skipping over others to progressively get closer to Japan.

Fire bombing of Tokyo

1945, US bombs that destroyed much of Tokyo and killed over 80,000 civilians