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Japan Seizes Land
Japan invades Manchuria for land, markets and resources. This shows Japan's desire to self-strengthen and start conquering land, which will lead to Japan feeling threatened by the U.S. -
The U.S. Responds to the Rising Japanese
The U.S. issues the Stimson Doctrine in a response to Japan's invasion of Manchuria. The doctrine was meant to prevent expansion of Japan's territories. This is important as it creates some tension between Japan's want for expansion and the U.S.'s disapproval. -
Japan Leaves the League
Japan leaves the League of Nations because they weren't content with the way that the League was treating their invasion of Manchuria. This is important because Japan is now severed from connection with any of the Allies and is now an opponent. -
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Japan, in order to get rid of the "dagger pointed at it's throat", the U.S. base in Hawaii, it bombs the unsuspecting base at Pearl Harbor. This was a major event because it was what caused the United States to formally join the war and it was an extremely important force in the war. -
The Philippines are Surrendered
Japan had already taken over Guam and Wake Island, which used ot be U.S. territories and had taken over several British territories as well. The surrender of the Philippines made the Japanese seem unstoppable in their conquest of territories for their empire. This important point was an intimidation factor. -
Battle of Midway
The Japanese planned to take over the island of Midway, which contained a key American airfield. Allied codebreakers warned the U.S. army about the apporaching Japanese force however. The U.S. forces hid beyong the horizon and attacked the Japanese with the element of surprise. The Japanese forces were devasted and this battle had turned the tides against the "invincible" Japanese. -
Battle of Guadalcanal
This was the first battle that was key for the U.S.'s "island hopping" plan. Japan was building a base on this island the the U.S. attacked. After a long battle, the Japanese were defeated and forced to retreat. By gaining control of Guadalcanal, The U.S. could control the waters around that area, which were important in protecting Australia. -
The Pacific End to World War 2
The atomic bombs Little Boy and Fat Man are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States. After suffering from these devastating new weapons, Japan surrenders and brings the conclusion to World War 2 in the Pacific region.
