War in the Pacific

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1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?
The battle of Midway was a very important battle because it was known to be the turning point of the war. America had the upper hand in the battle, and caught the Japanese with their planes still on the decks of the carriers. The result of the battle was devastating, the Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. It was said by a Japanese official that America had even "avenged Pearl Harbor" Soon after this battle, America began "island hopping" and island by island they won territory back from the Japanese. Thus making the battle the turning point of the war.

2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?
While fighting Japan, the United States adopted the strategy of island hopping. Where the United States Marine Corps would take one island at a time as they make their way toward Japan.

3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?
The Japanese fought extremely hard on Iwo Jima because it held 20,700 Japanese troops. Also, if America had successfully won the battle on Iwo Jima, this now meant they had one more obstacle (Okinawa) then they would be able to bomb Japan, having it be the end for Japan in the war.

4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?
The Allies believed that Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan because the battle cost thousands of American lives, and it was overall a very difficult and long battle. Much harder than the battle on Iwo Jima. America realized that the invasion of Japan would cost them even more lives of American soliders, and would be even more of a challenge that the battle in Okinawa.

5. What was the Manhattan Project?
The Manhattan Project was a secret development of the atomic bomb led by General Leslie Groves and by American Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. This was where they tested the atomic bomb, which ended successfully.


6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
President Truman decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan because he believed this was the only way to end the war with Japan. He had even warned Japan that if they did not surrender now, they would be faced with grave danger soon. But they refused to surrender, giving Truman no choice but to enforce the atomic bombs.