Modern History Assignment Term 3
Modern History Assignment Term 3
Evaluate why Japan was successful in 1941 to 1942 and what event was the turning point that led to US victory.
Japan pursued WWII as an advantage to their plan of taking over Asia. Japanese forces attacked many places over the Pacific and Southeast Asia in order to gain control and dominate the pacific. The Japanese wanted all the Asian countries to unite together under the Great East Asian Co Prosperity Sphere. Japans ambitions derived from three main goals which included displacing the United States as the dominant Pacific power, shortages of resources caused Japan to seek other countries for natural resources such as oil, and that Japan saw itself to be superior to other Asian races. Between 1941 to 1942 Japan had been successful with four of its battles in the Philippines, Singapore, Dutch East Indies and Burma. However, even after Japans successes the US appeared victorious regarding the Battle of Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal and Papa New Guinea which left Japan with no choice but to retreat and surrender.
On the 8th of December 1941 Japan launched an attack on the Philippines which was just 10 hours after their bombing of Pearl Harbour. The American General Macarthur was stationed in the Philippines at this time, a Japanese strike was anticipated by the General several days in advance to the attack. A tremendously strong attack shook the Philippines as Japanese bombers were guided through by espionage agents situated near military points. Japan was able to concentrate their attacks effectively and accurately on the Philippines since they were prepared with complete reports on American airfields and troop destinations. The initial ariel bombing of the Philippines was further followed by landings of ground troops emerging from both the north and south of Manila on the 22nd of December 1941. The main focus of the attack was to gain control of the oil and resources of the Philippines so they could sustain a war, adjacently this acted as a passage for Japanese soldiers to infiltrate the Dutch East Indies. When the Japanese urged other Asian nations to reject being dominated by Britain or controlled by America, they used the phrase Asia for Asians, the only reason for this saying was that Japan saw itself as superior to all other Asian countries and by using this phrase it caused surrounding countries to be content with the idea of diminishing Britain and American powers in Asia. When the Philippines was attacked American soldiers tried to fight back and hold their ground, although, the bombing on Pearl Harbour had occurred 10 hours prior which affected Americas ability to send troops to the Philippines for defence. Once the Japanese landed on Luzon on the 22nd of December 1941, General Macarthur decided to retreat and an immediate response to withdraw around 80,000 American and Filipino troops, as well as 25,000 civilian refugees left the thousands of people undersupplied. Due to a scarcity of fresh food, clean water, and medications, many people acquired and suffered from scurvy, beriberi, malaria, and dysentery. Due to the inability to provide military services and soldiers America declared Manila an Open City which meant that all the military forces in the Philippines retreated and left the land defenceless where no fighting or destruction will be triggered, further leading the Japanese to simply enter Manila and take over the Philippines. The battle in the Philippines ended on the 8th of May 1942 which resulted in an easy victory for Japan, the tactical and strategic attacks directed Japans first victorious battle and the beginning of becoming the dominant Pacific power in Asia. This was an easy battle for the Japanese forces as America was unable to provide much support due to the recent bombings which had occurred just 10 hours ago in Pearl Harbour damaging significant military and civilian sites, declaring Manila as an Open City which meant there was no fighting back against the opposition making it very simple for Japan to walk in and claim the Philippines.
The second Japanese battle which took place was the Fall of Singapore. The attack on Singapore started on the 10th of December 1941 and ended with Japanese victory on 15th February 1942. Singapore was colonised by Britain and complied under their rule, this pointed out that the Asia-Pacific contained British navy powers specifically within Singapore. Japan wanted to become the strongest power in Asia so taking out the British navy was a necessity whilst the capture of Singapore further permitted for additional supplies and resources to be gathered. When the Japanese officially attacked and troops had landed at various points along the Malay Peninsula, news struck Britain who refused to send ships since they were busy fighting the war in Europe, although they eventually sent reinforcements by distributing 2 of Britains warships the Prince of Wales and the Repulse, which were sent too late to intercept the transportation of more soldiers and resources. The British overestimated their naval power whilst also underestimating Japans ariel and flight abilities, this further caused the destruction of the 2 warships which were sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers. British plans had implied that it would be difficult for the Japanese to make advances and almost impossible to transport their tanks due to the tropical rainforests of the Malay Peninsula. Regardless of Britains plans, the Japanese were still able to make prompt proceeds towards the south and because of this statement Britain once again underestimated the ability of Japan to successfully overturn interventions and challenges. The reasoning behind Britains lack of involvement and retaliation during the attack on Singapore was that they saw it as the Jewel of the Empire, this involved the fact that Singapore was incredibly fortified, thus, Britain believed it would never fall. On the 11th of January, Kuala Lumpur fell and on the 14th of January, Johore the capital of Malayas southern state succumbed. In less than 2 months the Japanese had battled their way 700 kilometres from their northern landings to the Peninsulas southern tip. On the 31st of January 1942, the Allied powers who were defending the Malay Peninsula withdrew from the land and crossed the connecting causeway and retreated into the island of Singapore. The islands defence was miserably formulated and implemented to keep the Japanese away from taking Singapore, even though Japanese forces were outnumbered within the opening days of the campaign the Allied forces air cover had almost completely been destroyed so the city was being bombed without any retaliation or control. This further permitted Japanese soldiers to have assistance by their air force leading to a more controlled, precise and harsher attack. Despite the opposition being much more superior in numbers, the Japanese rapidly pushed over the island. The Japanese forces caught the Allied troops by surprise as they entered through the causeway rather than the North-east as Percival had anticipated, making the Japanese quickly progress to Singapore. On the 15th of February 1942, with 1 million people besieged in the city and water supplies at dangerous levels, British commander Lieutenant General Arthur Percival surrendered. Over 130,000 Allied soldiers became prisoners of war. Tomoyuki Yamashita, a Japanese General, had accomplished a great feat of arms. Overall, the Fall of Singapore was a devastating loss for Britain during the Japanese Advance of 1941 to 1942. The strength and ability of Japans forces led to a rather simple capture of Singapore and defeat of Britains navy in the Pacific yet generating another victory for Japan. This was a simple victory since the Allied powers were lacking in air forces and naval forces as Britain were delayed sending out battle ships which were then almost instantly destroyed as well as the only source of air cover, this added on to Japans victory disease.
Japan infiltrated the DEI as it was one the most important targets regarding its richness in petroleum, oil, rubber, nickel, tin, scrap iron and other strategic resources which could all be used to support Japans war effort. The battle between Japan and the DEI carried on between the 8th of December 1941 to the 9th of March 1942. The 16th Army under Lieutenant General Imamura Hitoshi was appointed to carry out the invasion of the DEI with support from other forces. The plan was to launch attacks on the key points in the DEI efficiently capturing the Islands. On the 6th of January, Takashis fleet arrived at Davao and on the following day an invasion force headed towards Tarakan Island in Dutch Borneo. Dutch reconnaissance detected a Japanese convoy, so de Waal ordered the destruction of all oil installations on the island. On January 11th, Sakaguchis Detachment landed on Tarakan, as well as the start of IJN operations in the Celebes led by Admiral Takeo. Yamamotos soldiers ultimately captured both lines of Dutch Barracks after landing a series of night raids, leaving de Waal no choice but to surrender on the morning of 12th January. Regarding the loss of Manado, Tomohon, and Tondano, Schillmoller opted to evacuate with the majority of his soldiers west towards Amoerang, where he would initiate guerrilla warfare. The effective seizure of Tarakan and Manado indicated the beginning of the DEI campaign, which deeply concerned the ABDA command. Japanese forces organised themselves to launch simultaneous attacks on Balikpapan and Kendari. On the 18th of January, after being warned of an impending invasion, the Dutch commander instructed the demolition of all oil installations in Balikpapan to cease the Japanese from completely employing them. On January 24th, Allied troops had failed to prevent the Sakaguchi Detachment from landing. The main force rapidly took the Dutch airfield and pushed on towards Balikpapan barely encountering any opposition. At the same time, an American task force was nearing the Dutch city and unleashed a massive attack against 12 Japanese ships. On January 25th, the Japanese formed a battalion-sized detachment who surreptitiously climbed the Wain River in front of Balikpapan and penetrated deep into the citys rear and seized the possession of its vulnerable locations in a prompt surprise attack. The Sasebo force landed at Kendari on January 24th, which fell by midday, including its airfield, while Dutch forces fled farther back to Tawanga from which they began guerrilla warfare. In Sumatra, the Japanese invaders performed a swift seizure of the Martapura and Tanjungkarang airfields on Februaru 21st, including the oil installations around Talang Abab and Limau, while the Dutch retaliated with 4 territorial commands in Sumatra, with assistance from British reinforcements. The Japanese empires invasion of Sumatra had been a major success, with numerous airfields and oil refineries captured. On the 18th and 19th of February 2 Japanese fleets departed heading towards Eastern Java, Takashi held a reserve north of Java and Kondos support force stood to the south of Java. ABDA Western and Eastern striking forces were established to protect Java with all means necessary. The battle in Java Sea, conducted on the 27th of February 1942, ended in a major loss for Allied naval forces who lost five ships in the action. Japanese troops were able to launch their occupation on the Island of Java on the following day. Japanese forces employed strong attacks amongst the Allies in the Island of Java pushing back the opposition, Japan was able to make sufficient progress on Java. In the morning of the 8th of March 1942, the Dutch commander conceded defeat at last and agreed to the surrender of all his troops. The extensive Japanese victory battle of the DEI resulted in a defensive line against Australia, this battle also allowed Japan to prove their naval strength and overall accomplish their objective of overtaking the DEI.
The battle of Burma started on the 14th of December 1941 and ended on the 26th of May 1942. The Japanese invasion of Burma was motivated by two factors. First was cutting overland access to China by blocking the Burma Road, second, that the capture of Burma would position Japan on the doorstep of India, and on the outskirts China. The Japanese soon conquered Rangoon after infiltrating Burma via Thailand, suspending the Burma Road and denying Imperial China of its exclusively suitable supply base and port of entry. With retaliation, Wavell established two novice units, the 1st Burma and the 17th Indian. The fall of Burma was devastating to the Allies. It completed Chinas blockade, and without Allied assistance, Chinas capacity to repel the Japanese invasion was severely constrained. Militarily, the Allied loss in Burma was linked to the British falling unprepared to confront the Japanese invasion with the use of unexperienced units, 1st Burma and 17th Indian, and in the beginning only accepting 1 of 2 Chinese divisions offered. Japanese had support from the Burma Independence Army supplemented by significant numbers of volunteers and recruits once they came into Burma as part of the larger Japanese invasion. Iida launched multiple nocturnal assaults against Indian soldiers in the Kuzeik-Paan area. Despite the courageous struggle of the Indians, on February 12th invaders began to gain the upper hand and successfully forced back the defenders. During a 3-pronged offensive attack against Central Burma, led by Iida in March, the important breakthrough was achieved which rapidly pierced the Shan States. Overall, the Japanese forces pushed on with great power travelling through Burma, capturing each town and city as theyd cover land. British, Chinese and Indian forces were overpowered by the battle-hardened Japanese soldiers causing large amounts of divisions to retreat from Burma into neighbouring India or China. The final result of the battle led Japan to victory, the Japanese met limited resistance from the Allied forces protecting Burma, who were attempting to halt Japans advances. The defence of Burma was unsuccessful causing all opposing divisions to retreat leaving the country open for occupation by the Japanese Empire.
The battle of the Coral Sea broke out on the 4th of May 1942 and came to an ending 4 days later, on the 8th of May 1942.
Bibliography
https://new.edmodo.com/view-office-online/view/1871848227/docx/4https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/fall-of-singaporehttps://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+the+japan+and+burma+start&sxsrf=ALiCzsZ98LMzz6lou7xO6cIkB66z1PuDfQ%3A1654646328824&ei=OOafYr79MdnYz7sPiIGggAs&ved=0ahUKEwi--aH1xZz4AhVZ7HMBHYgACLAQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=when+did+the+japan+and+burma+start&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6BwgjELADECc6BwgAEEcQsAM6CAgAEB4QCBAHOgoIABAeEAgQBxAKSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUOkFWM8KYLgQaAFwAXgAgAHpAogB2AmSAQcwLjIuMS4ymAEAoAEByAEJwAEB&sclient=gws-wizhttps://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/empire/g2/cs4/background.htm#:~:text=in%20this%20gallery.-,British%20rule%20%2D%20the%20Raj,even%20approved%20of%20British%20rule.
https://www2.gvsu.edu/walll/the%20burma%20campaign%201941.htmhttps://www.iwm.org.uk/history/listen-to-8-people-describe-the-war-in-burma-in-their-own-wordshttps://www.jstor.org/stable/44570237http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-PI/https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-ii-in-the-pacific#:~:text=On%20December%2011%2C%20Nazi%20Germany,enter%20a%20two%2Dfront%20war.&text=In%20the%20first%20months%20after,at%20the%20Battle%20of%20Midway.
DO NOT USE NOTES WORD FOR WORD AS I WILL GET DONE FOR PLAIGARISM
Name of the Battle:
The Battle of the Coral Sea
Date Start:
4th May 1942
Date End:
8th May 1942
What did the Japanese do?
The Japanese were surprised by the strength of the Americans.
The reason for the attack was the Japanese wanted to expand their defensive perimeter. The Japanese wanted to cut the ties between America and Australia. They wanted to take control of the islands the Tulagi and the Solomon Islands.
Japan wanted to launch an attack of Australia, but it needed to ensure that America could not reach us.
What did the British/Americans do?
The American fleet and war planes defeated the Japanese. The US victory resulted because the Americans were able to destroy the Japanese aircraft carriers.
It was the first battle of airplanes using aircraft carriers.
What was the result of the Battle?
It blocked the Japanese forces from Australia.
The results of this battle were that this was the first battle since the start of World War 2, Port Moresby was saved and an attack on Australia was lost.
Name of the Battle:
Battle of Midway was the turning point
Date Start:
4th June 1942
Date End:
7th June 1942
What did the Japanese do?
The Japanese wanted Midway to take their airstrips so they could then launch an attack onto America.
What did the Americans do?
The American code breakers had broken the code that the Japanese were sending. They deciphered that AF stood for Midway. The Americans now knew that the Japanese were going to launch an attack on Midway and they would be ready for them.
The Americans wanted to confirm that AF meant Midway, so they sent a message stating that there were problems with the water system and then the Japanese responded that there was a water problem on AF and then the Americans knew that Midway was going to be the area to be attacked.
What was the result of the Battle?
Americas confidence had risen to new heights and the Japanese had lost their second battle and therefore their confidence was at an all-time low.
Example of Judgement: Midway was seen as the turning point in World War 2 more so than the Coral Sea because historians can argue that the Coral Sea was a one-off battle that the Americans won by sheer luck but Midway confirmed that America was becoming more superior and they were a force to be dealt with. The Battle of Midway confirmed for the Japanese that indeed the beast has been woken and now that Americas confidence and military power had been rebuilt the remaining battles were going to be difficult for Japan to win.
Name of the Battle:
Battle of Guadalcanal
Date Start:
7th August 1942
Date End:
9th February 1943
What did the Japanese do?
The Japanese wanted to build a new airstrip at Guadalcanal to launch an attack. They wanted to dominant the air and the water around Guadalcanal to prevent supplies being sent in from the allies.
The Japanese run out of supplies.
What did the Americans do?
The Americans sent 12000 troops to the island.
What was the result of the Battle?
The Japanese had to evacuate the island, another win for the Americans.
Name of the Battle:
Battle of New Guinea Kokoda trail
Psychological war in New Guinea, soldiers were constantly being challenge not only through battles but with the harsh weather conditions,
Date Start:
23rd January 1942
Date End:
15th August 1945
What did the Japanese do?
The Japanese wanted to capture New Guinea for its resources and easy access to Australia.
What did the Americans do?
The Americans commanded by Douglas MacArthur sent troops to New Guinea, the battle at New Guinea was fierce with fighting taking place in the jungles and in the bad weather of the New Guinea. The soldiers had to fight not only the troops but also the diseases that came from fighting in the jungle and weather.
The Americans commanded by Douglas Macarthur sent troops to New Guinea, the battle at New Guinea was fierce with fighting taking place in the jungles and in the bad weather of the New Guinea. The soldiers had to fight not only the troops but also the diseases that came from fighting in the jungle and weather. They were fighting in miserable conditions and the battle also too a psychological toll on the troops because of the constant rain and constant fighting.
What was the result of the Battle?
It ended when World War 2 ended.
Name of battle:
Papa New Guinea Kokoda trail
Psychological war in New Guinea, soldiers were constantly being challenge not only through battles but with the harsh weather conditions,
Date start:
23rd January 1942
Date end:
15th August 1945
What did the Japanese do?
The Japanese wanted to capture New Guinea for its resources and easy access to Australia
What did the Americans do?
The Americans commanded by Douglas Macarthur sent troops to New Guinea, the battle at New Guinea was fierce with fighting taking place in the jungles and in the bad weather of the New Guinea. The soldiers had to fight not only the troops but also the diseases that came from fighting in the jungle and weather. They were fighting in miserable conditions and the battle also too a psychological toll on the troops because of the constant rain and constant fighting.
What was the result of this battle?
This battle ended when America dropped the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which caused the Japanese to surrender.
The Americans withdrew their troops and the Japanese left their troops there. The Japanese troops left there were not aware the war ended and a lot turned to cannibalism.
It ended when World War 2 ended.
