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WWII- The Pacific

WWII- The Pacific. Japanese Imperialism and Militarism. Rapid industrialization and militarization under the slogan - Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military Emperor Hirohito assumed the throne in 1926 Revered as infallable Almost “God-like” to Japanese

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WWII- The Pacific

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  1. WWII- The Pacific

  2. Japanese Imperialism and Militarism • Rapid industrialization and militarization under the slogan - Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military • Emperor Hirohito assumed the throne in 1926 • Revered as infallable • Almost “God-like” to Japanese • Approved vast military build-up and aggressive imperialism • Military had great influence in society and politics • Military soon took control of government

  3. Japanese Imperialism and Militarism • Island nation of Japan depends on imports for much of its resources • Great Depression led Japanese to acquire new territory for resources • Invaded and conquered large portions of East Asia in the 1920s and 1930s • 1931 – Invades and conquers Manchuria • 1937 - Japanese Imperial Army marched into China's capital city of Nanking • Murdered 300,000 out of 600,000 civilians and soldiers in the city • Known as the Rape of Nanking

  4. Japanese Fascism • Based on the Bushido Code - "the way of the warrior" • Warrior code of honor • Willingness to sacrifice life for Emperor and nation • Expansion of Empire • Japan leaves the League of Nations in 1933 • Political opposition was not tolerated and political parties were outlawed • Media was censored

  5. Japanese Leadership • Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye (1937–41) • Distrusted and resisted military influence • Loses job after failing to convince USA to resolve differences • Prime Minister Hideki Tojo (1941–45) • Supporter of Nazi Germany • Advocated “first strike” philosophy against enemies • Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto • Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II • Responsible for attack at Pearl Harbor Hideki Tojo

  6. Signing of Tripartite Treaty in 1940

  7. Preparing to fight Japan • Takes months to mobilize a army- American people become impatient- need a morale boost • Spring 1942- Bombing Raid over Tokyo • Led by James Doolittle • Plan- drop bombs, land in mainland China and ditch planes • Had no strategic Military Value • This raid sent a message to Japan- we can drop bombs on your cities

  8. Battle of Coral Sea- May 1942 • Australia had become a major staging area for the U.S • Japan wanted to shut down the supply route to Australia • First battle here opposing sides never saw each other- ships v. airplanes

  9. Bridge on the River Kwai

  10. Battle of Midway • Turning Point of the War • After Doolittle’s raid, Japan is shocked- decide they needed to push farther east • Sent 4 aircraft carriers and a host of other ships • U.S knew they were coming- set a trap • Japan lost- 275 planes shot down, 4 carriers lost • After Midway Japan will fight defensively

  11. Island Hopping • The American strategy was called Island Hopping • Instead of attacking Japan directly, the navy would capture the smaller islands around Japan to back them into a corner

  12. Iwo Jima • Iwo Jima’s importance- had 2 air strips • At total of 70,000 American troops landed on the island- 30,000 died • Fighting took 6 weeks- almost all of the Japanese were killed (21,000) • If the Japanese would fight so hard for an island, how hard would they fight to defend Japan itself?

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