Topic: World War II: The Pacific Theater
Description:
Discussion:
Two American soldiers in Okinawa“Like the war in Europe, the conflict in the Pacific transformed the military and political landscape. The war broke out when Japan’s ambitions to dominate Asia targeted American interests and might” (Tignor, 2011, 750).
On December 7, 1941, the conflict began with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and it would last until 1945.
Time is often referred to as a subjective experience – it can either pass quickly or slow itself to a point where it appears never-ending. When time is structured, via a timeline, a sense of stability and objectivity is gained as temporal events appear within a set framework. In other words, a timeline tells a story. In order to get a sense of the magnitude of what took place within the Pacific Theater, a list timeline is provided. Perhaps not as visually striking as a mixed info-graphic timeline or a 3D spiral timeline, this format is, however, effective. Explore this timeline and you will indeed get a sense of what Tignor refers to as “Japanese Aggression” (Tignor, 2011, 750).
Review :https://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/timeline.htm
Yet our discussion within this module will reflect on, and go beyond, a set date on the provided timeline – April 1st, 1945 – which marks the beginning of the last battle of the Pacific, the Battle of Okinawa. It was also the largest sea-land-air battle in history and continued for months. Links to a five-part documentary, Pacific Lost Evidence Okinawa World War II, are listed below. After watching this documentary, consider the role of oral history – how do the highlighted men view war? Perhaps follow one individual throughout this documentary and comment on his view/thoughts. When the U.S. forces land on the beaches they considered it a honeymoon – why? What was the “typhoon of steel?” Note the defense of Okinawa by the Japanese under the command of General Mitsuru Ushijima. Consider the strategic underground placement of the Japanese troops and reflect on their willingness to fight to the death. Discuss the importance of Sugar Hill and the Shuri line/castle. Name “the fleet that came to stay” and note their importance. What role did the weather play within “hells own cesspool?” Finally, how were the civilians, especially women and children, treated?
Note: we will further explore the circumstances that lent to the ending of this war in the Pacific – the dropping of the atomic bomb – in the next discussion area within this module.
DOCUMENTARY: Pacific Lost Evidence Okinawa World War II
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql1aIwZcvck
2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbx-2PX27Mo&feature=related
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdUGpUBpWlY&feature=related
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPEZKQxFW4A&NR=1
5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucfZz0gI_qU&NR=1