1. The Pacific

2. Objective:
Students will examine and summarize the various battles of the Pacific theater and be measured through their Cornell notes, QW, discussion, and exit slip.

3. Setting the Stage
After a string of victories, the Japanese seemed unbeatable
U.S. sent 16 B-25 bombers to bomb Tokyo and other major Japanese cities
Bombs did little damage but helped to raise American morale

4. Battle of the Coral Sea
Both the U.S. and Japan used a new warfare fighting for territory in New Guinea
Opposing ships did not fire a single shot
Airplanes would take off and attack each other
In the end, the Japanese claimed victory as the Allies lost more ships
However, the Allies were able to stop Japan’s expansion for the first time

7. JTPS
Why was fighting in the Pacific different from fighting in Europe. How were naval battles fought in WWII? Explain.

8. Battle of Midway
U.S. broke a Japanese code and was able to predict the Japanese attack on Midway Island
Japanese fleet was the largest naval force ever assembled
U.S. waited for the Japanese to attack first
Ambushed Japanese carriers and destroyed all four aircraft carriers
Forced Yamamoto to retreat
Changed the tide of war

9. JTPS
Why was the Battle of Midway considered a turning point? What was the strategy used by the U.S. and how were they able to execute it? Explain.

10. The Allies go on the offensive
General Douglas MacArthur was commander of the Allied land forces in the Pacific
Designed a plan called “Island-hop”
Would seize islands that were not well defended
Taking these islands helped to cut supply lines

11. Battle of Guadalcanal
Japanese were building a huge air base on the island of Guadalcanal
Allies wanted to strike before the base was completed
Aug. 7, 1943
19,000 U.S. marines caught the Japanese by surprise and prevented the airbase from being built
However, control of the island was a long and grueling battle that lasted until Feb. 1944
After losing 23,000 soldiers, the Japanese abandon the island

12. JTPS
Which battle did you think was the most important in the Pacific? Why? Explain your reasoning.

13. QW #23 – Significant Battles
List and compare the two different theaters of WWII. Which battle do you think was the most significant for each theater? Elaborate on your reasoning.
1 paragraph

14. Objective:
Students will demonstrate their expertise on WWII and be measured through their quiz.