Pacific in WW2

By jimbobalina

  • Pearl Harbor

    Japanese bombed a major American naval base in Hawaii. This was significant as Pearl Harbor was one of the largest naval bases in the world and over 70 ships were destroyed. This also brought the neutral America into the war and caused Australia to declare war on Japan, as there was now threat of Japanese invasion of Australia. This also marked the beginning of Japan's attack on the Pacific as with America's navy out of action, there was nobody to prevent them conquering the Pacific.

  • Sinking of British naval fleet off South China sea

    Japanese aircraft torpedoed British fleet of battle ships. This was significant as it is believed to be the first major victorious aerial attack on a large, strong naval force. Two major battleships the Prince of Wales and Repulse were lost along with 840 people. This event proved that aerial power was more effective then naval power and was to become the most effective tool in warfare for the duration of this war.

  • Singapore captured by Japanese

    This was significant as Singapore was a major British naval base and was the largest amount of British troops captured in a single battle. This also endangered Australia as British troops could not reach Australia if the Japanese were to attack and they were isolated. This also proved that Britain could be beaten, over ruling their previously unquestioned domination of the seas.

  • Japanese attacked at Battle of Midway

    Japanese aircraft carriers with planes attacked by American dive bombers at the Battle of Midway. This was significant as Japan lost more of their valuable aircraft carriers that were the main key to their success. This was also important because it marked the end of Japan's attack- after the loss of their naval power, they were placed on the defensive for the remainder of the war.

  • Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

    America drops first atomic bomb on Japanese naval base. This was significant because it was the first time an atomic weapon had been used in warfare and it also marked the end of the war. The Germans had already surrendered but the Japanese, believing it was honourable to fight to the death, refused to surrender. After the bombings, they had no choice but to surrender, especially as USA was threatening further assualt from the air. This also marked the Nuclear Age which was to shape the Cold War