the u.s. joins the war attack on pearl harbor. pearl harbor admiral yamamoto
TRANSCRIPT
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