-
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese Empire launches a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, launching the United States into WWII. -
U.S. Declares War on Japan
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declares war on Japan. -
Doolittle Raid
In response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States sends a group of bombers to bomb Tokyo. This is more of a psychological move than strategical. The purpose is to show the Japanese that we can hit them at their home. -
Battle of Coral Sea
Battle between the U.S. and Japanese Navy where air raids were launches against each fleet by the opposite. Complete naval battle. First battle between aircraft carriers. -
Battle of Midway
June 4-6 In an attempt to win another decisive victory in the pacific, the japanese set up a trap to lure in the U.S. Navy at midway. This however backfires when the U.S. learns of their plan and sets a trap of their own. Four Japanese carriers are lost as well as a heavy cruiser. -
Period: to
Guadalcanal Campaign (Operation Watchtower)
Guadalcanal was a strategic island within the Solomon island chain which boasted a strategic airfield. The U.S. landed marines on the island and captured it. The Japanese had numerous failed attempts to recapture the island. -
Assasination of Admiral Yamamoto (Operation Vengeance)
Killed when a group of P 38's sent from Henderson Field, Guadacanal shot down his transport plane. -
Period: to
Marshall Islands Campaign (Operation Flintlock)
Marshall islands were the edge of the Japanese defensive in the pacific. -
Period: to
Mariana and Palau Islands Campaign (Operation Forager)
An U.S. offensive against the japanese to take islands among the Mariana and Palau island chains as bases and airfields for bombers. -
Period: to
Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima being a strategic island for refueling for bomber escorts heading to mainland Japan, the United States decides to lay siege to the island and capture it. -
FDR Dies
Following the death of FDR, vice president Harry Truman is sworn in as president. Truman is eventually the one who decides to use the atom bomb on Japan. -
Hiroshima
The United States drops the atom bomb on the Japanese city, Hiroshima. -
Nagasaki
After bombing Hiroshima, the United States drops a second atom bomb on the japanese city, Nagasaki. -
Japan Surrenders
The Japanese Empire surrenders to the United States after the seeing the horrors the atom bomb had done to its people. -
Official Surrender Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri
The official surrender of the japanese to General Douglas MacArthur aboard the USS Missouri.
