Pacific Timeline

By AidanMallory

  • The Battle of the Coral Sea

    This was a naval battle between Japan against the US and Australia. The ships in the sea never fired on each other, only the planes from each sides carriers. This battle was a big turning point in the war because, not only did it stop the Japanese invasion on Port Moresby, halting their oceanic empire, but it was Japan's first big loss of WWII.

  • The Battle of Midway

    The Battle of Midway is what is said to be the turning point of WWII for the US against Japan. In this air/sea battle the US was able to successfully protect its base located on midway Island from Japan, and essentially decimated their naval forces. This was what final showed Japan that they wouldn't be able to overcome the US for naval territory.

  • The Battle of Guadalcanal

    This battle was the first major offensive push by the Allies in the Pacific Theatre, and marked another overwhelming victory for the US. It was key to have an air base on the island of Guadalcanal so the Allies could effectively communicate between Australia and the US.

  • The Battle of Leyte Gulf

    This battle is considered the largest naval battle of WWII, and possibly the entire world. The battle consisted of the Allies versus Japan, and consisted of over 200,000 naval personnel total. This battle was very significant as it allowed The US to yet again cripple Japanese forces, but also begin invasion of the Philippines and set up bases to attack on the Japanese homeland, as well as reinforce the US control of the Pacific.

  • Battle of Iwo Jima

    The Battle of Iwo Jima is said to be one of the most brutal battles during WWII for Japan, where every Japanese soldier involved except 216 fought to the death or were killed. This Battle was significant to the US because the location gave them a secure and strategic location to launch planes from land.

  • The Battle of Okinawa

    The Battle of Okinawa suffered heavy casualties for both the US as well as Japan. The US lost over 50,000 troops while Japan lost over 100,000 troops and civilians. This battle was important for the US because it marked a big step forward in securing islands within the Japanese homelands.

  • Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

    This marked the American bombing of the Japan homeland. America dropped two bombs, the bigger one named Fat Man, and the small one named Little Boy. Fat Man was close to 80 times more powerful than Little Man, and was dropped on Nagasaki. Little Man was dropped on Hiroshima. These bombs caused massive destruction and death, with 129,00-226,00 Japanese citizens dying, with more dying to cancer and radiation poisoning. These are the only 2 nuclear weapons to be used in armed conflict to this day.