Japan's Pacific Campaign

1. Explain how Japanese expansionism led to war with the Allies in Asia.
2. What were the potential advantages and disadvantages to the "island-hop" plan?
3. Why do you think the Japanese changed their approach from trying to win the support of the colonial peoples to acting as conquerors?

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1. Japan wanted to expand their empire so they decided to take over China. The Japanese armies expected to have a quick victory, but China's resistance caused the war to drag on, which caused a strain on Japan's economy. To increase resources, Japan turned towards the European colonies of Southeast Asia. If Japan were conquer the European colonies, it could also threatened the Philippine Islands and Guam, which was controlled by the Americans. The U.S. government sent aid to strengthen China's resistance to stop the Japanese advance. In respond, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, causing many deaths and wounded. (Textbook: Ch. 16.2 Pg. 497)

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2. The advantage of the "island-hop" plan would be that it would not take as long as storming each island. It allowed the U.S. forces to reach Japan and not spend time, power and supplies to get each Japanese-held island on the way. The disadvantages would be that the Allies had to strike fast and had to have strong air and naval forces. Also, the Japanese troops had time to prepare for the assault they knew was coming. (Textbook: Ch.16.2 Pg. 501)

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3. I think the Japanese changed their approach from trying to win the support of the colonial people's to acting as conquerors because it was easier to control the people.

Hitler's Lightening War Focus Questions (16.1)

1. What major events led to WWII? 
2. Was Germany justified in attacking cargo ship? Explain. 
3.What factors do you think a country's leaders consider when declaring whether to surrender or fight?

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1. A major event that led to WWII would be Germany's invasion of Poland. Hitler demanded Poland but the Allies wanted to give Poland access to the sea. Hitler signed a pact with Stalin and secretly agreed divide Poland between them. France and Great Britain declared war on Germany but Poland fell before they could make any military response. (Textbook: Ch.16.1 Pg. 491)

 

 

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2. I think Germany was justified in attacking the cargo ship because the U.S. Navy was escorting British ships that carried U.S. arms. The United States should not have gotten involved with European affairs. As a result, Hitler ordered his submarine to sink any cargo ships they met. (Textbook: Ch.16.1 Pg. 496)

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3. I think the factors a country's leaders consider when declaring whether to surrender or fight is how prepared their military is and if they have enough money to buy equipment and supplies. I think they
also consider how many lives they will have to sacrifice in battle.