The U.S. Joins the War Attack on Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor AdmiralYamamoto

December 7th, 1941

• Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor

• Within 2 hours 18 ships sunk or damaged

• 2,400 Americans killed, 1,000 wounded

• America is stunned

“A date that will live in Infamy”

U.S. Declares War on Japan

Japan Expands War in Pacific

• Seize Guam

• Jan. 1942 attacks Philippines

• Japanese continue to win decisive victories

Allies Fights Back

• April 1942 U.S. bombs Tokyo– important psychologically

• Japan no longer considered invincible

Lt. Doolittle

Battle of the Coral Sea (May 1942)

• Considered the 1st true Air Battle at sea

• Japanese claimed “victory” but were stopped from expanding South

Battle of Midway (June 1942)

• Midway Island: contained American airfield

• Japan sent 150 ships—hoped to finish off U.S. navy

• U.S. knew the attack was coming but was outnumbered 4 to 1

• End Result:– Key turning point: Japanese retreat at Midway after 2 days– Allies begin to go on offensive in Pacific

Key Battles in the Pacific Theatre

= Key Battles

Douglas Macarthur

• U.S. General in command of Pacific Army

“Hit ‘em where they ain’t, let ‘em die on the vine”

Military Strategy: called “island hop”- seize islands not well defended- Cut supply lines to well defended islands & “starve” the troops out

Pearl Harbor Video

• 20 minutes

Discussion Points

• Explain why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor?

• What is the importance of the Battle of Midway?

• Explain the U.S. military strategy in the Pacific