L14: Island hopping

Question 1

significance of Guadalcanal

Answer 1

• J took it in Jul 1942 + constructed an airfield
• USA saw potential bombing raid on Aus + threat to supply route -> top priority to take
• victory of battle was decisive in that US position in the South Solomon were x again threatened and would secure supply route to Aus

Question 2

Japanese tactics in defending islands

Answer 2

• trying inflict as much damage as possible
• kill as many before losing territory
• network of tunnels + heavily fortified beaches with pillboxes and foxholes
• fight when US gathered on the beach
• ambush Americans from behind
• fight to death

Question 3

reasons for Island Hopping strategy

Answer 3

• cut off J’s supply route to islands -> starvation and disease
• get in bombing range of mainland J
• choose strategic important bases or bases unfortified
• minimise allies casualties

Question 4

consequence of Battle of Okinawa

Answer 4

• Jap= 84166-117000 casualties
• USA= 82000 casualties
• allies would consider strategic bombing campaign of J rather than land invasion
• (sank Yamato -> allies= air + naval supremacy in Pacific -> able to bomb mainland J + face less resistance)