二战之太平洋 orld War II in the pacific.pptVIP

War in the Pacific Background Japan invades China in 1937. Japan joins the Axis in Sept 1940. US, British, and Dutch impose oil embargo in July 1941 to put brakes on Japanese imperialism. Japanese expect armed conflict, but buy time and surprise through negotiations. US population focused on war in Europe. Situation Growing Japanese Empire starved for resources Needed for economy / war machine Oil, rubber, rice, metals, etc Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Pre-emptive Strike Successful opening offensive Border now extended 14,200mi Over half the earths circumference Each offensive conducted in an area larger then European and Mediterranean Theatres combined Defensive Phase Offensive Phase “Turning Point” Pearl Harbor Wake Is. Kiska/Attu – Aleutians Philippines (Bataan) Tarawa Marianas (Saipan, Tinian, Guam) Iwo Jima Okinawa Firebombing Tokyo Hiroshima, Nagasaki Japanese get greedy. Not satisfied w/ original perimeter. Want base to bomb Hawaii. Deliver killing blow to US fleet. US breaks Japanese code. Complex plan with many targets. Aleutians, Midway, Fleet, etc. First naval battle fought entirely with airplanes. Midway - June 1942 Midway: The Tide Turns Patrol planes spot Japanese main body. US Midway-based A/C strike Japanese TF and inflict damage on ships while losing majority of planes. Japanese A/C attack Midway with little impact. US carrier-based torpedo ineffective, but distracts Jap. fighters and allows dive bombers to hit Jap. TF. Japanese lose four heavy carriers, all planes, and many of their best pilots; US loses A/CC USSYorktown. Offensive Phase “Twin Thrusts” MacArthur from south Purpose Push back and destroy the enemy Pass enemy strongholds Regain the Philippines Twin Thrusts – Nimitz Nimitz from across the Pacific Carrier Fleet vulnerable to land air bases Purpose Cut the enemy in two Break enemy will (airstrips) Firebombing Commerce raiding (submarines) South Pacific taken by Japan for resources vital to war effort. Nimitz wanted to deny thi