1. The U.S. Joins the War
Attack on Pearl Harbor

2. Admiral
Yamamoto
Pearl Harbor

3. December 7th, 1941 Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor
Within 2 hours 18 ships sunk or damaged
2,400 Americans killed, 1,000 wounded
America is stunned

4. U.S. Declares War on Japan
“A date that will
live in Infamy”

6. Japan Expands War in Pacific
Seize Guam
Jan attacks Philippines
Japanese continue to win decisive victories

7. Allies Fights Back April 1942 U.S. bombs Tokyo
important psychologically
Japan no longer considered invincible
Lt. Doolittle

8. Battle of the Coral Sea (May 1942)
Considered the 1st true Air Battle at sea
Japanese claimed “victory” but were stopped from expanding South

9. Battle of Midway (June 1942)
Midway Island: contained American airfield
Japan sent 150 ships—hoped to finish off U.S. navy
U.S. knew the attack was coming but was outnumbered 4 to 1
End Result:
Key turning point: Japanese retreat at Midway after 2 days
Allies begin to go on offensive in Pacific

11. Key Battles in the Pacific Theatre

12. Douglas Macarthur U.S. General in command of Pacific Army
“Hit ‘em where they ain’t, let ‘em die on the vine”
Military Strategy: called “island hop”
- seize islands not well defended
- Cut supply lines to well defended islands & “starve” the troops out

13. Pearl Harbor Video
20 minutes

14. Discussion Points Explain why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor?
What is the importance of the Battle of Midway?
Explain the U.S. military strategy in the Pacific