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Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This surprise attack caused the United States to officially enter the war.
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After surrendering to Japan, thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march long distances without food or water. Many died, showing the brutality of the Pacific War.
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The U.S. launched a surprise bombing raid on Japan. It caused little damage but boosted American morale and embarrassed Japan.
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The U.S. defeated Japan in a major naval battle. This battle turned the War in the Pacific in favor of the Allies.
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The U.S. retook the Philippines from Japan. It is cut off from important resources in Southeast Asia.
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The first major U.S. ground offensive against Japan. It stopped Japanese expansion and marked the start of Allied advances.
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U.S. forces captured the island after intense fighting. It gave the U.S airbases closer to Japan.
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One of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. It showed how difficult an invasion of Japan would be.
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Japan offically surrenderd, ending World War 2. The ceremony took place aboard the USS Missouri.
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The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities. These bombings led directly to Japan's surrender.