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"A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"
On this day the Empire of Japan deliberately attacked America's Pearl Harbor. This event thrusted the US into the war. -
Period: to
United States Pacific Involvement in WWII
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US Declares War on Japan
U.S. declares war on Japan a day after the infamous Pearl Harbor. -
Invasion and Retreat
Japan expands their empire capturing Hong Kong and many U.S. military bases, such as Guam, Wake Island, and Luzon. -
The Fall of Singapore
British surrender Singapore after a week-long battle against the advancing Japanese forces. An estimated 80,000 allied soldiers were taken as POW's. -
The Fall of Rangoon
Allies surrender the Burmese capital of Rangoon to the Japanese. This results in the Japanese advancing on many more fronts. -
Doolittle Raid
US sent 16 medium sized bombers to attack main Japanese cities. Although the raid was insignificant, it boosted American morale. -
Battle of the Coral Sea
Americans engage the Japanese. Although the allies suffered more deaths and sunken vessels, they still gained the upper hand. -
The Philippines Fall
American and Filipino forces surrender to the Japanese in the Philippines. U.S. Pacific forces retreat to Australia. -
All Aboard for Midway!
Japan's main naval fleet, including the world's largest ship, depart from Hiroshima for Midway. -
The Battle of Midway
The U.S. takes the advantage through this battle. U.S. sinks 4 carriers and 1 cruiser. -
Guadalcanal
U.S. Marine forces invade the small island. This was a key victory for the Americans. -
Guadalcanal Withdrawal
Emperor Hirohito withdraws troops after five months of brutal fights against U.S. -
Casablanca Conference
Casablanca conference convenes here Roosevelt, Churchill, and other allied leaders meet to scheme future dealings with the axis. -
Opening Another Front
British and Indian forces attack Japan's empire from Burma. This results in opening another front. -
Japan Attacks
The first Japanese attack on the U.S. mainland takes place. An axis submarine shells and oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California. -
"One-Way Tickets to Hell"
Japanese officials announce captured allied soldiers will be given "one-way tickets to hell." -
POW's
Americans find work camps on Wake Island where the Japanese executed approximately 100 Americans. -
The Battle of Tarawa
Americans invade the island using amphibious techniques. The U.S. lost many lives. -
Cairo Conference
Roosevelt and Churchill convene with Chinese nationalist leader Chiang-Kai-shek to discuss defeating Japan. The meeting results in the Cairo Declaration which vows to beat Japan into unconditional surrender. -
Operation U-Go
In cooperation with operation Ichi-Go, Japanese attempted launching attacks from Burma into India. These attacks failed. -
Operation Ichi-Go
Japanese make major push into China. Although they gained territory, they were stopped at Guangxi. -
Battle of Saipan
U.S. forces capture the island of Saipan. This is significant because the U.S. can build an air base within range of main Japanese islands. -
Battle of the Philipines Sea
U.S. captures this body of water. This grants them the ability to conduct large scale aircraft carrier action. -
Battle of Leyte Gulf
To-date, this was the largest naval battle in the history of history. Although it was a decisive allied victory, this was the first time Japanese used kamikaze tactics. -
Commanders Appointed
Planning future assaults, General McArthur and Admiral Nimitz were appointed to command the ground and naval troops respectively. -
Iwo Jima
U.S. Marines capture the island of Iwo Jima. This is the scene of the dramatic flag raising on the hill. -
Allied Forces Invade Okinawa
U.S.'s largest assault in the Pacific war. Over 100,000 Japanese soldiers killed. -
Hiroshima
United States drops bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The Enola Gay dropped this Atomic Bomb. -
Nagasaki Bomb
The U.S. drops 2 more bombs on Japan, This time in Nagasaki. These bombs killed more than 240,000 people. -
Japanese White Flag
Emperor Hirohito surrenders Japan. This event took place on the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
