Pearl Harbor: December 7th, 1941
After the war began, the United States maintained a policy of isolationism. However, much like in the first world war, the United States didn't exactly stay out of it. Much like before, the US was sending supplies to the Allied powers. Japan felt like the United States was interfering with the war by stationing troops in the Philippines, refusing to sell supplies to Japan, and providing aid to China through the Lend-Lease Program. The Lend-Lease Program was signed by FDR in 1941 to provide aid to any country whose defense was deemed vital to the security of the United States. Japan attacked the United States Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The United States was immediately involved in World War II. This surprise attack by Japan resulted in public opinion in the United States changing from desiring isolation and to not be involved in Europe’s conflict, to now be in favor of war. Thus, Congress declared war against Japan and the other Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union.
According to FDR, this is a day "that will live in infamy."
According to FDR, this is a day "that will live in infamy."
Island-Hopping
The goal of island hopping was so that hopefully the United States could take over the home islands of Japan and force the Japanese to surrender. Sometimes, this process of island-hopping is called Leapfrogging. There were many islands that were under the control of Japan that were heavily armed and fortified. The United States, knowing that there were less Allied troops available for fighting in the Pacific, had to be very smart about how they used their resources. The United States and other Allied powers decided to attack the smaller, less populated and fortified islands first so that they could establish bases in the Pacific. From there, they were better able to attack the major islands.
Cultural Values- Never Surrender
The Allied forces learned quickly that the Japanese were a foe unlike any they had ever experienced before. The Japanese people had a belief system that made it honorable to die in combat. As a result, the Japanese military would often fight to the death, taking out as many Allied forces as possible. A unique factor of World War II was the use of kamikaze bombers: kamikaze bombers were planes loaded with ammunition and explosives that were intentionally flown into heavily populated Allied areas in the Pacific with a goal of destruction and loss of life. Many Americans began to wonder: how do you defeat an enemy who thinks it's a good thing to die for your country?
In the picture on the left, high school girls wave good-bye with cherry blossoms to the departing kamikaze pilots leaving Japan. In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the fragility (breakableness) and beauty of life, that while it is beautiful is also tragically short.
In the picture on the left, high school girls wave good-bye with cherry blossoms to the departing kamikaze pilots leaving Japan. In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the fragility (breakableness) and beauty of life, that while it is beautiful is also tragically short.
Iwo Jima
When U. S. Marines captured the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in March of 1945, it was at a great cost in human life. American soldiers took this island, an important strategic advantage away from Japan. The island was important as it was a location for Japanese planes to refuel and to resupply troops stationed on other islands. For the United States, its capture was also beneficial because it could be used as a staging area for attacks on Japan.
The picture on the right is a famous picture in American history. This is a picture of the raising of the US flag on the island of Iwo Jima after a long and bloody battle. "Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz |