Japan Strikes in the Pacific Chapter 16 Section 2

Japan Seeks A Pacific Empire Japan was overcrowded and faced shortages of raw materials. To solve the problem, Japan looked to build a Pacific empire. In 1931, Japan took over Manchuria in northeastern China and began looking toward the European colonies of Southeast Asia.

Japanese Empire was dependant on acquiring resources WHY? China conquest used resources and the U.S. oil embargo made us an enemy Japan hopes to take out the entire U.S. Navy by attacking Pearl Harbor

Attack on Pearl Harbor To Japan, the US Fleet in Hawaii was “a dagger pointed at our throat” and must be destroyed. December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.” Within 2 hours, 18 ships, including 8 battleships had been sunk or damaged. 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,000 injured.

Japan’s Naval Strategist Isoroku Yamamoto: Japan’s Admiral—planned Pearl Harbor attack

U.S. declares war on Japan December 8, 1941

The Tide of Japanese Victories After Pearl Harbor, Japan seized Guam and Wake Island. In January of 1942, they seized the Philippines, overwhelming US by May. Bataan Death March By February, they reached Singapore and by March had conquered the Dutch East Indies and Burma.

What strategy did the Americans use to defeat the Japanese? What would this warfare be like for the Americans and Japanese? What weapons would be important for the battle in the Pacific?

The Allies Strike Back Lt. James Doolittle’s planes bombed Tokyo and other major Japanese cities (little damage but made Japanese feel vulnerable) American morale increased Battle of Coral Sea: new warfare—airplanes taking off from huge aircraft carriers did fighting. Outcome—draw (Japan declared victory) BUT, Japan’s southward expansion stopped!

The Allies Turn the Tide of War In May of 1942, the Americans and Australians prevented a Japanese takeover of Port Moresby. In the Battle of the Coral Sea, Allied planes were able to stop Japan’s southward expansion for the first time.

The Battle of Midway US Admiral Chester Nimitz’s group broke a Japanese code and learned of over 150 ships heading toward Midway Island, near Hawaii. A US attack mainly from aircraft carriers was able to destroy 332 Japanese planes, all 4 aircraft carriers and 1 support ship. “The Americans had avenged Pearl Harbor.”—turning point in the Pacific

The Allies Go on the Offensive General Douglas MacArthur devised a plan to “island-hop” past Japanese strongholds. The plan was to cut-off supply lines and starve enemy troops. “Hit ‘em where they ain’t; let ‘em die on the vine.” –MacArthur

ISLAND HOPPING against the JAPANESE Required numerous amphibious assaults against a dug in Japanese military with a kamikaze mentality Pacific Islands Thick tropical jungles Very hot and humid Usually mountainous with many caves Very far away from any U.S. land base

The battle lasted 6 months. Japan lost 23,000 of 36,000 men. Guadalcanal August 7, 1942, 19,000 US Marines with Australian support landed at Guadalcanal. The battle lasted 6 months. Japan lost 23,000 of 36,000 men. “the island of death.”

Iwo Jima, Mt. Suribachi

Hitler’s goals included more than just conquering Europe. Meanwhile... In Europe, Hitler was moving ahead with his plans for a new order in Europe. Hitler’s goals included more than just conquering Europe. The Fuhrer had plans for dealing with those he considered unfit for the Third Reich.