Chapter 7 History Notes

Chapter 7: Reasons for Defeat of Japan in WWII • Strength of USA – naval and military strength • Weakness of Japan Possible SEQs Questions: 1. ‘The main reason why the Japanese lost the war in the Asia Pacific was US military might.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 2. ‘The main reason for Japan’s defeat in WWII was American military might.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 3. Was the entry of the US a turning point in the defeat of Japan in WWII? Explain your answer. 4. ‘Japan was responsible for its own defeat in WWII.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. Point: Allied military and naval strength Example/Elaboration: Doolittle Raid on Tokyo (April 1942) • Japan thought that USA would not bomb their homeland as they thought their homeland is out of range to the Americans bombers because they would not have enough fuel to return. However, the Americans decided to land the bombers in China and use it as a base to attack Japan. This is known as the Doolittle Raid. • The Doolittle air raids bombed Tokyo and Kobe on 18 April 1942. The air raids were a successful retaliation against the Japanese for the attack on Pearl Harbour. Explanation: The success of the Doolittle raid boosted the morale of the Americans and showed that the Japanese were not invulnerable to American attacks as boosted by Japanese leaders. Example/Elaboration: Battle of the Coral Sea (May 1942) • Japan had planned to land troops at Port Moresby, take control of New Guinea and launch their attack on the Americans. • However, Americans had intercepted Japanese plans and were prepared for the attack. • This attack was halted as a victory to the Allies even though both sides suffered damage to their fleets. This is because Japan withdrew its planned attack on Port Moresby and its southward advance to Australia was stopped by the Allies. Explanation: The Battle of the Coral Sea was an important turning point in the Pacific War as it was the first time that the Japanese’s advance was halted. This boosted the confidence of the Allied troops and paved the way for subsequent victory. Point: Economic strength

Example/Elaboration: • Largest industrial producer of good in the world in the 1940s. • Able to quickly convert factories to produce military productions. • Had millions of willing workers as compared to forced labour used by Japan. Explanation: The USA was able to overtake Japan in the manufacture of essential military armaments to fight the war. The constant supply of military resources made a huge difference to the Allies. The combined resources far out matched that of Japan and enabled the Allies to sustain the war against Japan. This put pressure on Japan, leading to its defeat. Point: Dropping of the Atomic Bombs Example/Elaboration: • As war became more violent and Japan showed that it would not accept unconditional surrender, Allied leaders considered using the bomb instead of se