As Germany, Japan also had dreams of an empire. It´s expansion started in 1931.
Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor
o The U.S. had cracked Japanese codes that they used for secret messages. So, the U.S is well aware of Japan´s attack to Southeast Asia.
o In December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii American sailors awoke to the crash of explosives. A Japanese attack was happening. The Americans knew that there would be an attack from Japan thanks to the coded Japanese message, but they didn´t know when or where it would occur. In two hours, the Japanese had damaged or sunk 19 ships, including 8 battleships, secured in Pearl Harbor. More than 2,300 Americans were killed.
o On December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan and its allies.
o In December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii American sailors awoke to the crash of explosives. A Japanese attack was happening. The Americans knew that there would be an attack from Japan thanks to the coded Japanese message, but they didn´t know when or where it would occur. In two hours, the Japanese had damaged or sunk 19 ships, including 8 battleships, secured in Pearl Harbor. More than 2,300 Americans were killed.
o On December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan and its allies.
The battle of coral sea
Fought during May 4, 1942 to May 8, 1942. It was a major naval battle fought between the Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the U.S. and Australia.
o Both sides use a new kind of naval warfare.
o The opposing ships did not fire a single bullet. They could hardly see each other.
o Airplanes taking off from huge aircrafts attacked the ships.
o The allies experienced more losses in troops and ships than Japan. However, the Battle of Coral Sea was kind of a victory for the Allies which made Japan stop his southward advance.
o Both sides use a new kind of naval warfare.
o The opposing ships did not fire a single bullet. They could hardly see each other.
o Airplanes taking off from huge aircrafts attacked the ships.
o The allies experienced more losses in troops and ships than Japan. However, the Battle of Coral Sea was kind of a victory for the Allies which made Japan stop his southward advance.
the Battle of Midway
Japan´s next target was Midway Island. Their purpose was that the attack on Midway would attract the whole of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from Pearl Harbor to defend the island.
o Midway swooped in the Japanese planes and destroyed them, also by demolishing all four aircraft carriers, and one support ship that Admiral Yamamoto was planning to use for the attack.
o Midway Island knew that the Japanese navy was approaching to attack them thanks to the Allied code breakers and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
o Finally, Midway´s strategy was a success and by June 7, 1942 the Battle of Midway was over.
o Midway swooped in the Japanese planes and destroyed them, also by demolishing all four aircraft carriers, and one support ship that Admiral Yamamoto was planning to use for the attack.
o Midway Island knew that the Japanese navy was approaching to attack them thanks to the Allied code breakers and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
o Finally, Midway´s strategy was a success and by June 7, 1942 the Battle of Midway was over.
The Battle of Guadalcanal
It took place in August 7, 1942 when the United States marines landed in Guadalcanal and the bordering island of Tulagi.
o The U.S marines had little trouble grabbing Guadalcanal’s airfield. But the battle for control of the island turned into a violent fight as both sides poured in fresh troops.
o In February 1943, after six months of fighting on land and sea, the Battle of Guadalcanal ended.
o Japanese abandoned what they came to call “the Island of Death” after losing more than 24,000 of a force of 36,000 soldiers.
o The U.S marines had little trouble grabbing Guadalcanal’s airfield. But the battle for control of the island turned into a violent fight as both sides poured in fresh troops.
o In February 1943, after six months of fighting on land and sea, the Battle of Guadalcanal ended.
o Japanese abandoned what they came to call “the Island of Death” after losing more than 24,000 of a force of 36,000 soldiers.
Roger B., B. (2005). World history: Patterns of interaction. United States of America: McDougal Littel. Retrieved from http://www.bscsd.org/webpages/mowens/textbook.cfm?subpage=9495
Battle of coral sea. (2013, May 18). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Coral_Sea
Battle of coral sea. (2013, May 18). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Coral_Sea