War in the Pacific

1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?-
The battle of Midway ISland was a turning point for the war in the Pacific, the Allies were able to stop the japanese and start making them retreat. The Americans found the Japanese fleet and sent torpedo planes and dive bombers to attack. The result was devastating to the Japanese becasue all their planes were still on the Aircraft Carriers decks. By the end of the battle of midway island the Japanese had lost 4 aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. After the battle of midway island the Americans were able to start "island hopping" island by island the Americans were able to win back their territory.



2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?-
The United States adopted in fighting Japan



3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?-
The Japanese fought hard on Iwo Jima becasue Iwo Jima was a key location for the Allies bomber base, these bombers would be used to bomb Japan.



4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?-
The Allies believed that Okunawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan because the invasion lost a lot of lives on both sides. 7,600 Americans, 110,000 Japanese.


5. What was the Manhattan Project?-
The Manhattan Project was the "best kept secret of the war." The project was led by J. Robert Oppenheimer. Almost 600,000 Americans were involved in the project, although only some knew what it was going to do, Truman didnt know of the bomb until he became president. The first test was in Almogordo New Mexico, it was visible from 180 miles and there was a red mushroom cloud rising up out of the desert.

6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?-
President Truman decided to drop the atomic bomb on Japan becasue he had no doubt that it would end the war. He told the Japanese that if they did not surender unconditionaly there would be "promt and utter destruction". Truman also said that "The final decision of where and when to use the atomic bomb was up to me. Let there be no mistake about it. I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used.