WWII – The War in the Pacific

Historical Background Economic decline had prompted Japan to invade Manchuria in 1931, seeking new sources of raw materials. Economic decline had prompted Japan to invade Manchuria in 1931, seeking new sources of raw materials. By 1941 U.S.—Japan tensions prompted President Rosevelt to issue an embargo on all U.S. oil, rubber and scrap iron exports to Japan By 1941 U.S.—Japan tensions prompted President Rosevelt to issue an embargo on all U.S. oil, rubber and scrap iron exports to Japan Since the Japanese industrial and military base depended on U.S. imports, the imperial leadership had to either withdraw from Manchuria or claim new sources of refined materials. Since the Japanese industrial and military base depended on U.S. imports, the imperial leadership had to either withdraw from Manchuria or claim new sources of refined materials.

Japan controls the Pacific Japan attacks various Pacific locations – late 1941Japan attacks various Pacific locations – late 1941 Japan controlled Hong Kong, Thailand, Guam, Wake, Burma, MalayaJapan controlled Hong Kong, Thailand, Guam, Wake, Burma, Malaya Japan attacks Philippines – pushes U.S./Filipino troops from Manila to Bataan Peninsula – Gen. Douglas MacArthur fights to standstillJapan attacks Philippines – pushes U.S./Filipino troops from Manila to Bataan Peninsula – Gen. Douglas MacArthur fights to standstill

Prelude to War Japan seeks to establish “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere ” Japan seeks to establish “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere ” “a bloc of Asian nations led by the Japanese and free of Western powers”“a bloc of Asian nations led by the Japanese and free of Western powers” Invasions of Manchuria and Korea followInvasions of Manchuria and Korea follow Three political forces in Japan: Three political forces in Japan: Emperor HirohitoEmperor Hirohito Civilian GovernmentCivilian Government Military branchesMilitary branches The army informs the civilian gov’t of the Manchuria campaign two months after it begins. The army informs the civilian gov’t of the Manchuria campaign two months after it begins.

Prewar

1932

1937 A B C D “ABCD Encirclement”

1940

1941 Dec 8/7 1941

Attack on Pearl Harbor Dec 7, “A day that will live in infamy”

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Img

Fleet Admiral Yamamoto Fleet Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto “The US fleet is a dagger pointed at our throat and must be destroyed.” “I can run wild for six months,after that, I have no expectation of success.” - Yamamoto, during discussions on the planned Pearl Harbour Attack

The Attack

Aftermath "Being saturated and satiated with emotion and sensation, I went to bed and slept the sleep of the saved and thankful.” - Winston Churchill

Slow Start in Pacific significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet it took months to overcome the attack.it took months to overcome the attack. The Japanese victories following Pearl Harbor: The Japanese victories following Pearl Harbor: Wake Island and GuamWake Island and Guam Captured Hong KongCaptured Hong Kong Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and British BorneoDutch East Indies (Indonesia) and British Borneo Battle of Java SeaBattle of Java Sea Burma (British-controlled)Burma (British-controlled) The Japanese soldiers were highly skilled and well trained. The Japanese soldiers were highly skilled and well trained. The Japanese military had excellent equipment. The Japanese military had excellent equipment.

The Philippines Japan invaded the Philippines (American-controlled) December General Douglas MacArthur Retreated to the Bataan Peninsula. Too risky to send reinforcements April 1942, the 10,000 American and 60,000 Filipino troops surrendered.

Bataan Death March American and Filipino soldiers forced to march 60 miles without food or water by the Japanese.American and Filipino soldiers forced to march 60 miles without food or water by the Japanese. Thousands die Thousands die

Bataan Death March

James Doolittle Led a group of 16 American bombers on a daring air raid of Tokyo and several other Japanese cities April 1942Led a group of 16 American bombers on a daring air raid of Tokyo and several other Japanese cities April 1942 Doolittle’s raid did not do major damage to the Japanese targets, but it did give the American people something to celebrate and worried Japan’s leaders.Doolittle’s raid did not do major damage to the Japanese targets, but it did give the American people something to celebrate and worried Japan’s leaders. Allied Advances in the Pacific Lt. Col. James Doolittle

Dolittle Raid

Battle of Coral Sea Japan prepared to invade New Guinea. U.S. sent two aircraft carriers to stop the attack. Off the coast of Australia This was a completely aerial battle between planes launched from carriers (first time in history) No clear winner in the battle – The Americans lost an aircraft carrier in the battle but stopped the Japanese attack. First time the Japanese advance had been halted Plane-to-plane combat at the Battle of Coral Sea. This was the first ‘completely aerial’ battle ever

Coral Sea Battle Map

1941

1942

1942

Battle of Guadalcanal August 1942 – Americans win first major LAND victory on the island of Guadalcanal August 1942 – Americans win first major LAND victory on the island of Guadalcanal U.S. used Navajo Indians as “Code- talkers” U.S. used Navajo Indians as “Code- talkers” Helped the U.S. communicate safely without the Japanese translating our messages Helped the U.S. communicate safely without the Japanese translating our messages A Navajo “Code-Talker” in action

Navajo Code Talkers Hundreds of Native Americans of the Navajo nation served in the Marines as code talkers.Hundreds of Native Americans of the Navajo nation served in the Marines as code talkers. Japanese code-breakers never figured it out.Japanese code-breakers never figured it out. Only about 25 non-Navajo people in the entire world could speak the languageOnly about 25 non-Navajo people in the entire world could speak the language Made up words for terms that didn’t exist in their language (names of birds meant “airplanes” and the word “egg” actually meant “bomb”)Made up words for terms that didn’t exist in their language (names of birds meant “airplanes” and the word “egg” actually meant “bomb”) Used during the battle of Iwo Jima with great success.Used during the battle of Iwo Jima with great success.

Navajo Code Talkers

U.S.S. Lexington

Battle of Midway Battle took place June , one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, five months after the Japanese capture of Wake Island, exactly six months to the day after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Battle took place June , one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, five months after the Japanese capture of Wake Island, exactly six months to the day after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Campaign to establish a Japanese airbase on Midway Island, within bombing range of Hawaii Campaign to establish a Japanese airbase on Midway Island, within bombing range of Hawaii Japanese wanted to surprise the US navy with an attack, but… Japanese wanted to surprise the US navy with an attack, but… Naval officers had broken a Japanese code and learned of the plan. Naval officers had broken a Japanese code and learned of the plan. The Americans destroyed 3 of the 4 Japanese carriers and won a major victory. The Americans destroyed 3 of the 4 Japanese carriers and won a major victory.

Plan of Attack

The Battle Of Midway

The Battle of Midway

Y O R K T O W N

Japanese ship shortly before sinking

America now on the Offensive: New Strategy – Island Hopping The Americans used Island Hopping – They would capture lightly-defended islands throughout the Pacific, one by one, until they had “HOPPED” their way towards Japan The Americans used Island Hopping – They would capture lightly-defended islands throughout the Pacific, one by one, until they had “HOPPED” their way towards Japan The Pacific Ocean was so BIG – the U.S. needed a way to get closer The Pacific Ocean was so BIG – the U.S. needed a way to get closer This would get the U.S. within striking distance of Japan & allow the U.S. to set up bases at all of the conquered islands along the way This would get the U.S. within striking distance of Japan & allow the U.S. to set up bases at all of the conquered islands along the way

Island-Hopping Warfare American and Australian troops land in Borneo

Island-Hopping Warfare American Troops assaulting Iwo Jima

Americans re-take the Philippines October 1944 – American returned to the Philippines after “Island Hopping” our way there October 1944 – American returned to the Philippines after “Island Hopping” our way there General MacArthur made good on his promise to “return” to the Philippines General MacArthur made good on his promise to “return” to the Philippines Gen. MacArthur “returning” to the Philippines

Japanese “Kamikazes” Japanese suicide pilots Japanese suicide pilots Filled planes full of explosives and crashed them into Allied warships Filled planes full of explosives and crashed them into Allied warships Often were inexperienced pilots with outdated equipment Often were inexperienced pilots with outdated equipment Kamikaze attack on a U.S. aircraft carrier

The Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa The Allies started to bomb Japan to weaken their defenses The Allies started to bomb Japan to weaken their defenses In order to get close enough, the Allies would have to establish bases on islands near Japan In order to get close enough, the Allies would have to establish bases on islands near Japan Japanese forces would defend these islands fiercely Japanese forces would defend these islands fiercely

The Battle of Iwo Jima In February 1945 American forces set out to capture the island of Iwo Jima. In February 1945 American forces set out to capture the island of Iwo Jima. The island would provide a good base to launch raids against major Japanese cities. The island would provide a good base to launch raids against major Japanese cities. For the first time, Japanese soldiers were fighting for and on Japanese land. For the first time, Japanese soldiers were fighting for and on Japanese land. The Japanese fought ferociously and refused to surrender. The Japanese fought ferociously and refused to surrender. The Allies eventually won. The Allies eventually won.

Iwo Jima 23,000 U.S. troops killed or wounded in order to take Iwo Jima 23,000 U.S. troops killed or wounded in order to take Iwo Jima Victory marked by the raising of the U.S. flag atop Mt. Suribachi Victory marked by the raising of the U.S. flag atop Mt. Suribachi Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi at the Battle of Iwo Jima

Iwo Jima Video Clip

The Battle of Okinawa Allied troops invaded on April 1, Allied troops invaded on April 1, The island was to be the launching pad for the final invasion of Japan. The island was to be the launching pad for the final invasion of Japan. It was a bloody battle; more than 12,000 American died at the Battle of Okinawa. It was a bloody battle; more than 12,000 American died at the Battle of Okinawa. Like Iwo Jima, the Japanese refused to surrender and lost a staggering 110,000 troops. Like Iwo Jima, the Japanese refused to surrender and lost a staggering 110,000 troops. Allies gained control of the island in June Allies gained control of the island in June 1945.

Battle of Okinawa Japanese defend island fiercely Japanese defend island fiercely Last hurdle before U.S. would invade Japan Last hurdle before U.S. would invade Japan Mass-suicide by Japanese started to make the U.S. wonder – “will they ever surrender?” Mass-suicide by Japanese started to make the U.S. wonder – “will they ever surrender?”

Allied Progress in the Pacific The Allies gained control of territory in the Solomon Islands to protect Australia, and also the Gilbert, Marshall, Caroline, and Mariana islands The Allies gained control of territory in the Solomon Islands to protect Australia, and also the Gilbert, Marshall, Caroline, and Mariana islands Took advantage of American industrial power by replacing ships and aircrafts, which Japan was unable to do Took advantage of American industrial power by replacing ships and aircrafts, which Japan was unable to do European successes allowed more resources to be made available in the Pacific. European successes allowed more resources to be made available in the Pacific. Recaptured the Philippines Recaptured the Philippines Captured strategic Japanese islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa Captured strategic Japanese islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa

The Final Year The US retakes the Philippines in a long and costly campaign. The US retakes the Philippines in a long and costly campaign. Borneo, Iwo Jima and the Okinawa fall, with heavy losses on both sides. Borneo, Iwo Jima and the Okinawa fall, with heavy losses on both sides. The military leadership of Japan refuses to give up, in spite of the loss of the bulk of their forces. The military leadership of Japan refuses to give up, in spite of the loss of the bulk of their forces. An edict is issued, ordering civilians on the main Japanese islands to construct bamboo spears and meet the invaders on the beaches. An edict is issued, ordering civilians on the main Japanese islands to construct bamboo spears and meet the invaders on the beaches. US Bombers produce a firestorm in Tokyo, killing 100,000 people in two days. US Bombers produce a firestorm in Tokyo, killing 100,000 people in two days. The US, Britain and China issue the Potsdam Declaration, demanding Japan’s surrender. The US, Britain and China issue the Potsdam Declaration, demanding Japan’s surrender.

The Manhattan Project U.S. feared that an invasion of Japan would result in 200,000 American casualties – and perhaps 1-2 million Japanese casualties U.S. feared that an invasion of Japan would result in 200,000 American casualties – and perhaps 1-2 million Japanese casualties U.S. considers using an “Atomic Bomb” to end the war quickly U.S. considers using an “Atomic Bomb” to end the war quickly Bomb had been developed as part of the “Manhattan Project” since 1942 Bomb had been developed as part of the “Manhattan Project” since 1942

Nuclear Strikes Aug 6, Uranium bomb “Little Boy” dropped on Hiroshima, killing 140,000 Aug 9, Plutonium bomb “Fat Man” dropped on Nagasaki, killing 74,000

U.S. uses the atomic bombs President Truman warned Japan to either surrender or else face “complete destruction” President Truman warned Japan to either surrender or else face “complete destruction” Japan refused Japan refused U.S. drops bombs on Hiroshima (70,000 killed) and Nagasaki (40,000 killed) U.S. drops bombs on Hiroshima (70,000 killed) and Nagasaki (40,000 killed) Japan surrenders five days later Japan surrenders five days later

Japan Surrenders Representatives of Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Army and Navy appear to sign the surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay

The Cost 2,000,000 Japanese Soldiers dead 2,000,000 Japanese Soldiers dead 300,000 Allied Soldiers dead 300,000 Allied Soldiers dead 600, ,000,000 Japanese civilians dead 600, ,000,000 Japanese civilians dead 11,000 American civilians dead 11,000 American civilians dead 60,000 Korean civilians dead 60,000 Korean civilians dead Mass devastation of Japanese infrastructure Mass devastation of Japanese infrastructure Indigenous people of north and western Pacific islands devastated by disease, cultural contamination, collateral damage, and atrocities. Indigenous people of north and western Pacific islands devastated by disease, cultural contamination, collateral damage, and atrocities. The list continues… The list continues…

Image Credits Slide 1: 740px.jpg - From Wikipedia Slide 1: 740px.jpg - From Wikipedia 740px.jpg 740px.jpg Slide 2: Image Captured From Google Earth Slide 2: Image Captured From Google Earth Slide 3: Flag images from Wikipedia Slide 3: Flag images from Wikipedia Slide 5+:Map of Japanese Empire: from Wikipedia Slide 5+:Map of Japanese Empire: from Wikipedia Slides 10,11,12: Images from Wikipedia Slides 10,11,12: Images from Wikipedia Slide 13: Images from Warbird Alley and Wikipedia Slide 13: Images from Warbird Alley and Wikipedia Slides 14,15,16: Image from Wikipedia and the US National Archives Slides 14,15,16: Image from Wikipedia and the US National Archives Slide 19: Midway Atoll Photo from Wikipedia Slide 19: Midway Atoll Photo from Wikipedia Slide 21: Midway Attack Plan Map from Slide 21: Midway Attack Plan Map from Slide 26: B-29 Images from the University of San Diego, and Wikipedia Slide 26: B-29 Images from the University of San Diego, and Wikipedia Slides 27-32: Image from Wikipedia Slides 27-32: Image from Wikipedia

Early WWII Battles in the Pacific Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941) Japanese win Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941) Japanese win Battle of the Philippines (Dec. 41) Japanese win Battle of the Philippines (Dec. 41) Japanese win Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo (Apr. 42) Little damage inflicted – but a morale booster for the USA Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo (Apr. 42) Little damage inflicted – but a morale booster for the USA Battle of the Coral Sea (May 42) No winner, but stopped Japan from invading Australia Battle of the Coral Sea (May 42) No winner, but stopped Japan from invading Australia Battle of Midway (June 42) Big US win Battle of Midway (June 42) Big US win Battle of Guadalcanal (Aug. 42) US win – land victory using Navajo code-talkers Battle of Guadalcanal (Aug. 42) US win – land victory using Navajo code-talkers