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Battle of Midway
A decisive naval battle where the U.S. Navy destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers, turning the tide of the Pacific War in favor of the Allies. It marked a significant shift from Japanese expansion to Allied offensives in the Pacific. -
Attack on Pearl Harbour
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which resulted in over 2,400 American deaths and led to the United States’ entry into World War II. This event galvanized American public support for the war and marked the start of the Pacific theater. -
Bataan Death March
After the U.S. and Filipino forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines, approximately 76,000 prisoners were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in thousands of deaths. This atrocity highlighted Japanese brutality and further united the Allies. -
DooLittle´s Raid
A daring air raid led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, where U.S. bombers attacked Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Although the physical damage was minimal, the raid boosted American morale and demonstrated Japan’s vulnerability to air attacks. -
Guadalcanal
The first major Allied offensive against Japan aimed to gain control of the island of Guadalcanal. The victory marked a turning point as Japan’s advances were halted, and the Allies began their island-hopping campaign. -
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The largest naval battle in history, where Allied forces crippled the Japanese fleet in the Philippines. It marked the effective destruction of Japanese naval power and paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
A bloody battle where U.S. forces captured the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima, providing a critical base for air operations against Japan. The iconic image of Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi symbolized American resilience and sacrifice. -
Battle of Okinawa
The largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War, with fierce fighting that resulted in massive casualties on both sides. Okinawa’s capture brought the Allies within striking distance of Japan and demonstrated the potential cost of a mainland invasion. -
Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing over 200,000 people. These bombings forced Japan to surrender, marking the end of World War II. -
Surrender of Japan
Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II and marking the beginning of Allied occupation and reconstruction efforts in Japan.