2. International: –Japanese Empire Grows –Attack on Hong Kong –Pearl Harbor –Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and Leyte Gulf –General McAurthur –Hiroshima –Nagasaki Canadian: –Battle of Hong Kong –Coastal Defense –Ian McKenzie –Japanese Internment –Operation Downfall

3. Fukoku Kyohei (Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military) Began in late 1800’s – Japan’s rapid industrialization and militarization. In a quest for resources to support industrialization, Japan moves out into South East Asia to capture supplies from resource rich countries (Greater East Asian Co Prosperity Sphere)

5. England – controls Hong Kong, heavy naval presence in region – defended by close to 14,000 men (2 Canadian Units) United States – Claims to Philippine Region, Pacific Naval base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii Japan – 1937 to 1940 sweeps outward and takes over much of S.E. Asia. British presence in Hong Kong a threat. Considers the American naval presence a threat. Russia - had previously fought with Japan, and sought peace fearing a two front war with Germany. Japan signed TRIPARTITE PACT with Germany and Italy in Sept. 1940

6. By 1940, world opinion was against Japan. When Japan captured Indochina, the US halted all trade of fuel to Japan. Knowing the time for peace was over, Emperor Hirohito ordered Admiral Yamamoto to begin practice and preparations for attacking Pearl Harbor.

7. Japan knew the importance of naval superiority in the Pacific Ocean. They decided a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would eliminate the American ability to fight Surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor, Thailand and the British base at Hong Kong were launched on December 7 th (PH), and Dec. 8th

8. December 7 th, 1941 Torpedo Bombers attack US Pacific Fleet in Hawaii Hope to destroy 4 existing American Aircraft Carriers

9. The attack damaged 5 battleships, sunk 3, and destroyed many planes, but the US Air Craft Carriers were not in port. Japanese failed to destroy fuel depots. Japan has not destroyed the US naval ability to respond. Roosevelt declares war on Japan on December 8 th.

10. Japanese invade December 8 th. British, Indian, and Canadian forces hold out until Christmas Day All 1975 Canadians killed, wounded or captured (not all supplies had arrived)

12. Years of residual hatred towards migrant Asian workers ignites in BC. Violence in Vancouver’s Chinatown, and government seizures of Japanese homes, fishing boats follow Employers such as the CPR lay off Japanese workers. Ian McKenzie, BC Cabinet Minister, begins the push to round up all Japanese in BC (despite RCMP and intelligence stating there is no threat).

13. 100 mile protected area created along coast 22,000 people of Japanese decent uprooted – men to labor camps, women to isolated interior communities 1943, All possessions seized and auctioned

15. May 1942- Battle of the Coral Sea – Japan’s first major setback June 1942 - Midway – US decodes Japanese messages and learns of attack. Japan loses 4 carriers and one cruiser (major turning point) Oct. 1944 – Leyte Gulf – largest naval battle in history (282 ships). Japan crippled attempting to stop American landing on Phillipines.

19. US General Douglas MacArthur successfully “island hops” his troops closer to Japan. Takes Osaka in June 1945. Canadians returning from defeating Germany volunteer for Operation Downfall, the planned land invasion of Japan. The operation is cancelled. Other plans are made.

23. President Harry Truman (replaced Roosevelt who died in April 45), authorized the atomic attack on Hiroshima on August 6 th 45, and a second attack on Nagasaki on the 8 th. Truman believed that by using atomic weapons, he was sparing the lives of millions if Operation Downfall had taken place. August 14 th, Japan surrenders.