World War II in Asia and the Pacific

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from lecture notes on Japan's involvement in World War II.

Greater East Asian Co-prosperity Sphere

The idea that East Asia could exist free of Western influence, with Japan as the leader, allowing Japan greater influence and access to oil and rubber resources in neighboring countries.

Anti-Comintern Pact

An agreement signed in 1936 between Japan and Germany.

Tripartite Pact

An agreement signed in 1940 that cemented the alliance of the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan).

Pearl Harbor

The American naval base in Hawaii that was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, prompting the USA to declare war on Japan.

Fall of Singapore

Singapore surrendered to the Japanese, causing great concern in Australia. Meant that there was nothing to stop the Japanese advance into Australia.

John Curtin

Australian Prime Minister who stated that Australia looks to America for support, free of any pangs as to our traditional links of kinship with the United Kingdom.

Bombing of Darwin

Japan launched an assault on Darwin on 19 February 1942. Officially, around 250 people were killed. Many ships and almost 80 aircraft were lost.