The Early Battles
Japans raid on the Philippines: A few hours after bombing Pearl Harbor,
The Japanese attacked American Airfields in the Philippines, American and
Filipino forces defending the Philippines were greatly outnumbered and were
forced to retreat. After months hiding, in desperation, the troops ate cavalry
horses and mules, Lack of true food and supplies disease began to take its toll.
On April 9, 1942 the troops surrendered. Nearly 78’000 prisoners of war were
forced to march 65 miles to a Japanese prison camp, almost 10000 men died on
this march( Bataan Death March). In modern times this would be a war crime because of the poor treatment and abuse of human life in this event.
The Japanese attacked American Airfields in the Philippines, American and
Filipino forces defending the Philippines were greatly outnumbered and were
forced to retreat. After months hiding, in desperation, the troops ate cavalry
horses and mules, Lack of true food and supplies disease began to take its toll.
On April 9, 1942 the troops surrendered. Nearly 78’000 prisoners of war were
forced to march 65 miles to a Japanese prison camp, almost 10000 men died on
this march( Bataan Death March). In modern times this would be a war crime because of the poor treatment and abuse of human life in this event.
Doolittle Raid on Tokyo: In attempt to raise American spirits President Roosevelt ordered an attack on Tokyo. On April 18 American Bombs fell on Tokyo, killing not only soldiers but also citizens living in Tokyo.
The
Battle of Midway: After
the Doolittle raid on Tokyo Japan was determined to destroy the American Fleet.
Code Breakers stationed in Hawaii learned of Japans plan to Attack Midway, in
response Admiral Nimitz launched an ambush on the Japanese sinking over 50
planes and sinking 4 carriers, the Attack killed thousands of people.
Struggle for North Africa:
President
Roosevelt wanted to invade Morocco and Algeria for two reasons, first the
Invasion would give the army some Experience, and once American Troops were in
North Africa they would be able to help the British troops fight the Germans in
Egypt. Although this action helped defeat the German Troops in Africa, they also
killed many people who were not a threat to America or
England.
President
Roosevelt wanted to invade Morocco and Algeria for two reasons, first the
Invasion would give the army some Experience, and once American Troops were in
North Africa they would be able to help the British troops fight the Germans in
Egypt. Although this action helped defeat the German Troops in Africa, they also
killed many people who were not a threat to America or
England.
The
Battle of the Atlantic: After Germany declared war on America,
German Submarines entered American coastal waters and started sinking American
ships. American Cargo Ships were easy targets, especially at night when the glow
from the cities silhouetted the ships. The sinking of these ships killed many
American Citizens who were not even involved in the war. The German submarines
often also sunk oil tankers not only forcing people to ration gasoline but
causing many environmental problems
Battle of the Atlantic: After Germany declared war on America,
German Submarines entered American coastal waters and started sinking American
ships. American Cargo Ships were easy targets, especially at night when the glow
from the cities silhouetted the ships. The sinking of these ships killed many
American Citizens who were not even involved in the war. The German submarines
often also sunk oil tankers not only forcing people to ration gasoline but
causing many environmental problems