Pacifict Theater WWII

Who was Japan's Emperor during World War II?

Hirohito

Who was Japan's Prime Minister during World War II?

Hideki Tojo

Which Chinese territory did Japan invade?

Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, and later, they invaded other parts of China, including Nanking.

In which year did Japan declare full-scale war on China?

Japan declared full-scale war on China in 1937.

What is a more accurate term for what the Japanese called 'comfort women'?

The term 'comfort women' refers to women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II.

Who revealed details of the 'Rape of Nanking' to the world?

American author Iris Chang wrote 'The Rape of Nanking,' which detailed the atrocities committed by Japanese troops in Nanking.

What was a graduation requirement for Japanese naval academy cadets as early as 1927?

Cadets were required to learn the principles of bushido, the samurai code of honor.

What is the connection between Nanking and Pearl Harbor?

The atrocities in Nanking fueled anti-Japanese sentiment in the United States, which contributed to the context of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What happened in July 1941?

Japan expanded its military presence in Indochina, leading to increased tensions with the United States.

What happens at 7:02 am near Pearl Harbor?

At 7:02 am on December 7, 1941, Japanese planes began their attack on Pearl Harbor.

What act of aggression did Japanese naval forces commit prior to the air attack on Pearl Harbor?

Prior to the air attack, Japanese naval forces attacked and sank the USS Ward, a US destroyer.

Which key component of US naval forces did Japan fail to knock out at Pearl Harbor?

Japan failed to destroy the aircraft carriers of the US Navy, which were not in the harbor at the time.

What was enough to label a Japanese national as 'dangerous'?

Any association with the Japanese government or military could label a Japanese national as 'dangerous.'

In what state were Japanese-Americans concentrated during internment?

They were primarily concentrated in California.

What is one reason German-Americans and Italian-Americans were treated differently during WWII?

German-Americans and Italian-Americans were not subjected to internment to the same extent as Japanese-Americans due to racial prejudice and wartime hysteria.

How many Japanese-Americans were interned due to Executive Order 9066?

Approximately 120,000 Japanese-Americans were interned as a result.

What did the military tell Congress before carrying out FDR's order for internment?

The military told Congress that the internment was necessary for national security.

What is interesting about the timing of the delay in release of Japanese-Americans from internment?

The delay in release was notable because it occurred even after the war had ended, reflecting ongoing prejudice.

What did Ronald Reagan do about internment in 1988?

He signed the Civil Liberties Act, which formally apologized for the internment and provided reparations to survivors.

What was unique about the battle of Coral Sea?

The battle of Coral Sea was the first naval battle in which the opposing ships did not see each other; it was fought entirely by aircraft.

What was the strategic significance of the Coral Sea battle?

The battle of Coral Sea prevented Japan from invading Australia and marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater.

What is the significance of the battle of Midway?

The battle of Midway was a decisive victory for the US, marking a turning point in the war in the Pacific by significantly weakening the Japanese fleet.

What is the nickname for the US strategy in the Pacific?

The US strategy in the Pacific was known as 'island hopping.'

On which island did the US counterattack begin with jungle warfare?

The US counterattack began with jungle warfare on Guadalcanal.

What was the largest naval battle in history?

The Battle of Leyte Gulf

Which American general lost the Philippines but famously got his uniform wet when he returned?

General Douglas MacArthur famously returned to the Philippines after losing them, stating, 'I shall return.'

Why was Iwo Jima critically important to both the Americans and the Japanese?

It was strategically important for its airfields, which allowed for closer air support for bombing raids on Japan.

At Okinawa, Japan launched hundreds of which type of attack?

Kamikaze attacks against Allied ships.

Why was the invasion of Okinawa significant at the time it happened?

It provided a base for the planned invasion of the Japanese mainland.

What was different about the firebombing of Japan versus that of Germany?

The firebombing of Japan was more extensive and targeted civilian areas to destroy morale, while Germany's bombings were more focused on military targets.

Where was the most destructive firebombing in Japan and how many were killed?

Occurred in Tokyo, resulting in the deaths of ~100,000 people.

What were the surrender terms insisted by the Allies?

The Allies insisted on unconditional surrender from Japan and the removal of the Emperor.

When did Japan first offer to surrender?

Japan first offered to surrender in May 1945, after Germany was defeated

Why was Japan's surrender rejected?

Japan wanted to keep its emperor; The US also wanted an opportunity to draw out the war so they could use atomic bombs

When did the US test the first atomic bomb and where?

July 16, 1945, at the Trinity test site in New Mexico.

What were the details of the first atomic bomb?

Dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945; it was nicknamed 'Little Boy,' delivered by the Enola Gay, and resulted in approximately 140,000 casualties.

What were the details of the second atomic bomb?

Dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945; it was nicknamed 'Fat Man' and resulted in approximately 70,000 casualties.

What were the Emperor’s actions after the atomic bombs were dropped?

Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in a radio broadcast on August 15, 1945.

What are three arguments for using the atomic bomb?

1. It would end the war quickly and save lives. 2. It would demonstrate US military power to the Soviet Union. 3. It would prevent a costly invasion of Japan.

What are three arguments against using the atomic bomb?

1. It caused massive civilian casualties and suffering. 2. It set a dangerous precedent for future warfare. 3. Japan was already on the verge of surrender.

What led Japan to invade Manchuria?

The need for a buffer zone between Japan and the USSR, new markets, and new sources of raw materials.

What was Manchukuo?

The name given to Manchuria after Japan invaded and annexed it in 1931.

What was the League of Nations' response to Japan's invasion of Manchuria?

China protested to the League of Nations, but the League was unable to stop the aggression, demonstrating its inability to maintain world peace.

When did the Japan-China War start?

The war started in July 1937.

What event triggered the full-scale invasion of China by Japan?

The Japanese claimed they were fired upon by Chinese troops at the Marco Polo Bridge near Shanghai.

What was the significance of Shanghai in the Japan-China War?

It was a major battleground where Chiang Kai-shek mobilized the central government's army to attack the Japanese on August 13, 1937.

What was the outcome of the battle for Shanghai?

The Imperial Japanese Army committed over 200,000 troops and captured the city after more than three months of intense fighting.

What happened after the fall of Shanghai?

The Japanese advanced on Nanking, which fell quickly, leading to the capture of all major cities in China by the end of 1937.

What was the Rape of Nanking?

The mass murder and rape of between 250,000-300,000 civilians and soldiers by the Japanese Imperial Army in Nanking in December 1937.

What were the conditions in Nanking during the invasion?

Japanese troops received orders to kill all captives, leading to widespread murder and brutality against Chinese POWs and civilians.

What were 'Comfort women'?

Women kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during the invasion.

Who was Iris Chang?

Iris Chang was a Chinese-American journalist who researched and wrote about the Nanking Massacre, publishing 'The Rape of Nanking' in 1997.

What challenges did Iris Chang face in her research?

She encountered obstacles in finding information, including reluctance from survivors to discuss their experiences and limited access to military records.

How did Japanese propaganda portray the invasion?

Japanese propaganda depicted the Japanese as liberators and encouraged Chinese soldiers to trust them and disarm.

What was the Japanese military's attitude towards the invasion of China?

The Japanese military initially expected an easy victory and were infuriated by the stiff resistance from Chinese forces.

What was the impact of the Nanking Massacre on historical memory?

The Nanking Massacre was largely ignored in Japanese textbooks and faced denial, leading to a lack of awareness about the events in both Japan and the US.

What was the response of the Japanese government regarding the Nanking atrocities?

The Japanese government has historically employed lobbying firms to prevent pressure to acknowledge the atrocities and offer apologies or compensation.

What was the global reaction to Iris Chang's book?

Her book became a bestseller and led to increased awareness and discussions about the Nanking Massacre worldwide.

What was the estimated number of women raped during the Nanking Massacre?

Estimates range from 20,000 to 80,000 women raped by Japanese soldiers during the invasion.

What was the fate of many women after being raped during the Nanking Massacre?

Many women were murdered afterward to eliminate evidence of the crime.

What was the Japanese military's treatment of Chinese POWs?

Chinese POWs were subjected to brutal killings, including being mowed down by machine-gun fire and being burned alive.

How did the Nanking Massacre affect Chinese society?

The massacre left deep scars in Chinese society, with survivors facing shame and trauma, and it has been a significant historical event in China.

What happened to Iris Chang in 2004?

Iris Chang suffered an emotional breakdown while working on her fourth book, was briefly hospitalized, and later took her own life.

What did Iris Chang's suicide note express?

Her suicide note expressed feelings of overwhelming anxiety and a sense of drowning, along with a request for forgiveness from her loved ones.

What memorial was erected in honor of Iris Chang?

In 2005, the Chinese government erected a statue honoring Iris Chang at the Nanking Massacre Memorial Hall in Nanking.

What was Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere?

It was a policy aimed at creating a self-sufficient bloc of Asian nations led by Japan, which masked Japan's intentions of domination over Asia.

What was the significance of Pearl Harbor to Japan?

It was strategically significant and planned an attack to eliminate the US threat and gain control over the Pacific region.

What actions did the US take against Japan leading up to Pearl Harbor?

The US limited trade with Japan and froze Japanese assets, which Japan perceived as acts of economic warfare.

What was the outcome of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941?

The attack resulted in the destruction of nearly 20 American naval vessels and over 2,400 American casualties, while Japan lost around 100 men.

What was President Roosevelt's response to the Pearl Harbor attack?

President Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941, a date which would live in infamy and asked Congress to declare war on Japan, which was approved overwhelmingly.

What were some lapses in defense at Pearl Harbor?

Lapses included the failure to alert the base despite spotting Japanese submarines and misidentifying approaching aircraft on radar.

What did historians suggest about US knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack?

The US may have had prior knowledge of the attack but failed to communicate it effectively, leading to the surprise assault.

What was the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack on American public opinion?

The attack unified American public opinion in support of entering World War II.

What was the fate of Japanese nationals in the US after Pearl Harbor?

On the night of December 7, 5100 Japanese nationals deemed 'potentially dangerous' were arrested and detained.

What was the significance of the Nanking Massacre?

It was a brutal episode during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where Japanese troops committed widespread atrocities against Chinese civilians.

What was the US's response to Japan's actions in Indochina?

The US applied heavy political pressure on Japan to withdraw from French Indochina, contributing to rising tensions.

What did the US government know about the Pearl Harbor attack?

The US government had broken Japanese codes and knew an attack was imminent but did not know when or where it would occur.

What was the role of Hideki Tojo in the lead-up to Pearl Harbor?

He became Prime Minister of Japan and approved the plan for the attack on Pearl Harbor shortly after taking office.

What was the impact of the US embargo on Japan?

The embargo led to Japan losing 75% of its international trade and 88% of its imported oil, which they feared would cripple their economy.

What was the significance of the radar operators' actions on December 7, 1941?

Radar operators spotted Japanese aircraft but were told not to sound an alarm, contributing to the surprise of the attack.

What was the result of the attack on American naval vessels?

The attack destroyed nearly 20 naval vessels and resulted in significant American casualties, marking a pivotal moment in World War II.

What did the US military officials fail to do before the Pearl Harbor attack?

Military officials failed to increase security at Pearl Harbor despite knowing an attack was probable.

What was the strategic goal of Japan in attacking Pearl Harbor?

The goal was to eliminate the US Pacific Fleet as a threat and secure dominance in the Pacific region.

What was the significance of the Pearl Harbor attack's timing?

The attack occurred just before the US was expected to receive a flight of B-17 bombers, contributing to the element of surprise.

What was the public reaction to Roosevelt's declaration of war?

The public largely supported the declaration of war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What was Executive Order 9066?

An order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, which led to the internment of 110,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II.

What was the reason for the internment of Japanese-Americans?

They were interned due to fears of disloyalty and potential sabotage following the attack on Pearl Harbor, despite no evidence of wrongdoing.

What was the Battle of Coral Sea?

A naval battle in May 1942, marking the first battle fought entirely by aircraft, where the U.S. stopped Japan's advance towards New Guinea.

What was significant about the Battle of Midway?

Fought in June 1942, it was a turning point in the Pacific Theater, resulting in the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers and shifting the naval balance.

What does 'island hopping' refer to?

A military strategy used by the Allies in the Pacific, focusing on bypassing heavily fortified Japanese positions and capturing strategically important islands.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Guadalcanal?

The Allies halted the Japanese advance and secured the island, marking a significant turning point in the Pacific campaign.

What was the Civil Liberties Act of 1988?

An act signed by President Ronald Reagan that provided an apology and compensation of $20,000 to survivors of Japanese-American internment.

What was the significance of the Japanese-American internment?

It represented a grave injustice driven by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria, affecting the lives and rights of American citizens based on their ethnicity.

What was the strategic aim of the Japanese at the Battle of Midway?

To destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet and eliminate American resistance to Japanese expansion in the Central Pacific.

What were the conditions faced by Japanese-Americans during internment?

They were forced to sell their properties at low prices, had limited personal belongings, and were detained in temporary relocation centers under poor conditions.

What was the role of General Mark Clark and Admiral Harold Stark regarding Japanese-American internment?

They informed Congress that the danger of a Japanese attack on the West Coast was effectively zero, contradicting the rationale for internment.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Tarawa?

Despite heavy fortifications and fierce Japanese resistance, U.S. Marines captured Tarawa after 76 hours of intense fighting.

What was the impact of the Battle of Coral Sea on Japan?

Although Japan lost fewer planes, the battle prevented them from achieving their goal of capturing New Guinea and isolating Australia.

What was the significance of the Japanese losses at the Battle of Midway?

The losses severely weakened Japan's naval capabilities and marked the beginning of a defensive posture for the Japanese navy.

What was the Japanese strategy leading up to the Battle of Midway?

Admiral Yamamoto planned a surprise attack on Midway to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet, using a feint toward Alaska to lure them into a trap.