World War II and Independence Movements in Southeast Asia

Flashcards covering the key events and concepts from the lecture notes on World War II and its impact on independence movements in Southeast Asia.

What were the two main theaters of World War II?

The European theater, involving primarily European and North African countries, and the Pacific theater, which mainly involved countries in the Pacific Ocean region, as well as islands in the Pacific.

Which countries were the primary Allied powers in the European theater?

The UK, Soviet Union, and US. They fought against the Axis powers to liberate territories occupied by Nazi Germany and Italy.

Which countries were the primary Axis powers in the European theater?

Nazi Germany and Italy. They sought to expand their territories and establish dominance over Europe.

What event marked the beginning of World War II in 1939?

Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. This act of aggression led France and the UK to declare war on Germany, officially starting the war.

What were some major campaigns in the European theater?

Key campaigns included the Blitzkrieg (lightning war), the Battle of Britain (aerial warfare), Operation Barbarossa (Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union), the North African campaign (battles for control of North Africa), D-Day (Allied invasion of Normandy), and the fall of Berlin (the final battle in Europe that led to Germany's surrender).

Which country was the primary Axis power in the Pacific theater?

Japan. Japan aimed to establish control over the Pacific region and expand its empire.

What event escalated the war in the Pacific and brought the US into it?

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This surprise attack on the US naval base led the US to declare war on Japan and enter World War II.

What were some major campaigns in the Pacific theater?

Major campaigns included Japan’s invasion of China and Southeast Asia (to gain resources and expand its empire), battles for islands like Midway, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa (strategic locations for controlling the Pacific), and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (which led to Japan's surrender).

What strategy did the Allies use to weaken Japan's forces in the Pacific?

Island-hopping involved selectively attacking and securing strategically important islands while bypassing others. This allowed the Allies to advance towards Japan while cutting off Japanese supply lines.

What was the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere?

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was a political and economic concept promoted by Japan during WWII. It aimed to unite Asian countries under Japanese influence, but it was often seen as a disguise for Japanese imperialism.

What did Japan gain as a result of defeating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905?

Gaining control of Korea, which allowed Japan to expand its influence on the Asian continent.

What territory did Japan invade in 1931 to begin expanding its empire?

Manchuria, a region in northeastern China, was invaded in 1931. This marked the beginning of Japan’s aggressive expansion in Asia.

What other area of China did Japan invade in 1937?

In 1937, Japan invaded the rest of China, leading to widespread conflict and atrocities, such as the Nanking Massacre.

Which countries comprised French Indochina, taken by Japan in 1941?

French Indochina, consisting of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, was taken by Japan in 1941 to secure resources and strategic positions.

Why did Japan decide to conquer more countries?

Japan felt betrayed after the Treaty of Paris of 1920. The treaty, while intended to foster peace, led to Japan feeling marginalized and fueled their desire to create a self-sufficient empire through conquest.

What moral code influenced the Japanese soldier's mentality of 'death before surrender'?

The Bushido Code, a traditional samurai code of conduct, emphasized honor and loyalty, leading Japanese soldiers to prefer death over surrender, viewing surrender as shameful.

Why did Japan invade French Indochina?

Japan invaded French Indochina due to its need for natural resources, such as oil, rubber, and minerals, to sustain its military operations in China.

How did the Americans respond to Japan's invasion of China and SEA?

To put economic pressure on Japan, the Americans responded to Japan's invasion of China and Southeast Asia by cutting off oil shipments, which were crucial for Japan's military and industrial activities.

What were the main reasons for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was driven by Japanese expansionism, the need to acquire resources, the US economic sanctions, and strategic considerations regarding the US Pacific Fleet. Japan aimed to eliminate the US as a major naval power in the Pacific, allowing it to proceed with its expansion plans.

What was the objective of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?

The objective was to cripple the US Navy's ability to intervene in the Pacific. By destroying or damaging key warships, particularly aircraft carriers, Japan hoped to secure a strategic advantage and time to conquer Southeast Asia and other Pacific territories.

Who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, a key figure in the Japanese Navy, planned the attack on Pearl Harbor, understanding the strategic importance of neutralizing the US Pacific Fleet.

Why was the USS Enterprise not at Pearl Harbor during the attack?

The USS Enterprise was not at Pearl Harbor during the attack because it was on a mission to reinforce the Wake Islands, highlighting the US Navy's efforts to maintain its presence across the Pacific.

Describe what aircraft carriers do.

Aircraft carriers are warships designed to carry fighter aircraft. They have runways that allowing the aircraft to take off and land, enabling naval forces to project air power over vast distances.

Describe the purpose of destroyers.

Destroyers are warships designed to provide land attack capability as well as air, water surface, and submarine defense capabilities, making them versatile assets in naval fleets.

What did President Franklin D. Roosevelt call the attack on Pearl Harbor?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the attack on Pearl Harbor 'a date which will live in infamy,' emphasizing the shock and outrage felt by the American people.

What was the Bataan Death March?

The Bataan Death March was a forced march of approximately 76,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war (POW) by the Japanese army in the Philippines. Thousands of soldiers died due to starvation, dehydration, abuse, and execution.

What was the Doolittle Raid?

The Doolittle Raid, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, was an air raid attack on Japan by the U.S. to prove that Japan was vulnerable. Though it caused minimal damage, it boosted American morale and created uncertainty in Japan.

What was the Island Hopping Campaign?

Island hopping was a military strategy developed by General Douglas MacArthur involving selectively attacking and securing strategically important islands while bypassing others to advance towards Japan more efficiently.

What was Japan's strategy to win the war?

Japan's strategy to win the war involved making the conflict so costly and unbearable for the Americans that they would eventually surrender and negotiate a peace treaty favorable to Japan.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The Battle of the Coral Sea was significant because the Allies stopped Japanese expansion Southward, marking a strategic victory by preventing Japan from threatening Australia and cutting off Allied supply lines.

What was the turning point of the war in the Pacific theater?

The Battle of the Midway was the turning point of the war in the Pacific theater. The United States dealt a decisive blow to the Japanese navy, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and halting Japan's advance across the Pacific.

What happened at the Battle of Guadalcanal?

The Battle of Guadalcanal marked the first major offensive by Allied forces in the Pacific. Using the U.S. Island hopping strategy, the Allies fought to seize control of Guadalcanal's airfield, which was crucial for further operations in the region.

What was the Battle of Leyte Gulf?

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle in history and a decisive engagement in the Pacific Theatre of WW2. It involved a complex series of naval engagements and secured the Allied liberation of the Philippines.

What was the Allies plan to end the war?

The Allies plan to end the war involved Operation Olympic, the invasion of Japan itself in November 1945. This was planned to be followed by Operation Coronet, the invasion of Honshu near Tokyo in the spring of 1946.

What was the Potsdam Declaration?

The Potsdam Declaration was an Allied demand for unconditional surrender of all the Japanese armed forces. It outlined terms for Japan's surrender and warned of 'prompt and utter destruction' if Japan failed to comply.

What was the name of the first atomic bomb?

The first atomic bomb was named 'Little Boy' and was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

What was the name of the city the first atomic bomb was dropped on?

The city where the first atomic bomb, 'Little Boy,' was dropped was Hiroshima. The destruction was catastrophic and led to immense loss of life and long-term effects from radiation.

What was the name of the second atomic bomb?

The second atomic bomb was named 'Fat Man' and was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

What was the name of the city the second atomic bomb was dropped on?

The city where the second atomic bomb, 'Fat Man,' was dropped was Nagasaki, resulting in widespread destruction and casualties.

When did Japan accept unconditional surrender?

Japan accepted unconditional surrender on August 14th, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war.

Which countries are believed to have suffered the most casualties during WWII?

The Soviet Union and China. They experienced immense loss of life and devastation as a result of the war.

What countries were incorporated into French Indochina?

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. These countries were part of France's colonial empire in Southeast Asia.

Explain Vietnamese Independence after WWII.

Vietnamese communist Ho Chi Minh declares the independence of Vietnam from France, leading to further conflict and struggle for full sovereignty.

Why did Ho Chi Minh leave Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh left Vietnam as a cook on a French steamer, seeking opportunities to learn and gather support for Vietnamese independence.

Where did Ho Chi Minh go, where he studied revolutionary tactics and took an active role in the Communist international?

Ho Chi Minh went to the Soviet Union, where he studied revolutionary tactics and took an active role in the Communist international, strengthening his commitment to Vietnamese independence.

Name the Vietnamese guerrilla organization, organized by Ho Chi Minh.

The Viet Minh, a Vietnamese guerrilla organization, was organized by Ho Chi Minh to fight for Vietnam's independence from French colonial rule.

What was the significance of Viet Minh attacking French Forces in Hanoi?

The Viet Minh attacking French Forces in Hanoi in 1946 marked the beginning of the first Indochina war, a conflict for control over Vietnam.

Who supported the Viet Minh?

Mao Zedong’s Chinese communists supported the Viet Minh. This support was crucial in helping the Viet Minh resist French colonial rule.

What happened after the French suffered a major defeat at Dien Bien Phu in northwest Vietnam in 1954?

After the French suffered a major defeat at Dien Bien Phu in northwest Vietnam in 1954, peace negotiations led to the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel at a conference in Geneva.

Who was the leader of North Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh was the leader of North Vietnam, guiding the country towards communism and advocating for reunification with South Vietnam.

What ultimately happened to Vietnam?

Ultimately, the Vietnamese forces (Viet Cong) that defeated France declared Vietnam’s independence and wanted to make Vietnam a Communist country.

How did Cambodia gain independence after WWII?

France agreed to hand over full independence to Cambodia on November 8, 1954, marking the end of French colonial rule.

Who lead Cambodia's Communist party (the Khmer Rouge) taking over the government of Cambodia in 1975?

Pol Pot led Cambodia's Communist party (the Khmer Rouge) taking over the government of Cambodia in 1975, leading to a period of radical social engineering and genocide.

What was the Lao Issara?

The Lao Issara was an anti-French, non-communist nationalist movement formed in 1945 in Laos, advocating for independence.

How did Laos reach Independence from France?

Laos was granted independence at the Geneva Conference in September 1954 after France’s defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Also marking the end of French colonial rule.

When was Malaysia under Japanese Occupation?

Malaysia was under Japanese Occupation from 1941 to 1945, experiencing significant social and political upheaval.

What was the MPAJA?

The Malayan People’s Anti Japanese Army (MPAJA) waged a jungle-based guerrilla war against the Japanese, resisting their occupation.

What caused widespread agony and hatred towards the Japanese during their invasion of Malaysia?

Thousands of Chinese were executed within a single week during the Japanese invasion of Malaysia, causing widespread agony and hatred towards the Japanese.

How did the British return to Malaysia after the Japanese’s surrender?

After the Japanese’s surrender, the British returned to Malaysia to restore colonial control, leading to tensions with local independence movements.

What was UMNO?

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) was formed in response to the Malayan Union to protect Malay privileges, Islam and the monarchy.

What was the Malayan Emergency?

The Malayan Emergency was a communist insurgency led by the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) that broke out, aiming to establish a communist state in Malaysia