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Invasion of Manchuria
The Japanese invasion of Manchuria began on september 18th 1931. Through this, Japan hoped to secure the land to support its over populated country as well as to gain regions rich in minerals, agricultural land and forestry. The invasion seemed to solve all of Japans problems. It was because of this and her disregard for China, that by the end of 1931 Japan had placed large sums of money into the Manchurian economy and was in full controll of the province. This proving to be the cause of WWII. -
Australia declares war on Japan
On the 8th of September 1941, the Prime Minister of Australia; John Curtin, declared war on Japan, as a result of their unprovoked attack on Britain and the U.S territories. War was also declared due to australia’s vital interests being put at risk and because of the rights of free people in the whole Pacific were assaulted. Upon declaring war on Japan, Curtin had to get consent from the King of England, as such an announcement was not legal under the Australian Constitution. -
Japan attacks Pearl Harbour
The attack on Pearl Harbour, Hawaii by the Japanese, took place on December 7th, 1941. The attack was called a “day of infamy” by President FD Roosevelt. This attack committed by the Japanese was to bring the U.S into WWII. Japan saw the base as the summit of America’s military dominance in the Pacific Ocean. They belived that if they could strike Pearl Harbour with enough force, America would pull out of the region, leaving it for the Japanese to continue expanding in the Far East. -
Japan Attacks Darwin
The Japanese air raids on Darwin on the 19th of February 1941 were the largest attacks ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia. The attack was launched 333km northwest from Darwin’s shore and was led by the commander responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbour, that took place 10 weeks earlier. These air raids were significant to the Pacific campaign of World War II as not only did they impact Australia physically but also mentally. -
The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On the 6th of August 1945, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Three days later another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. These two events were particullary significant to WWII as it was said to of been the end of the second world war. The bombings caused an initial death rate of 70, 000 in Hiroshima alone. Along with this, their were many post-attack casualties due to things like bunrs and over exposer to radiation.
