The underlying causes of the outbreak of the war in the Pacific relate to Japan's desire to effectively compete with the industrialized nations of western Europe and the United States. ... The opening attacks caught the Allies by surprise and unprepared for war; the initial Japanese victories were stunning.
Why do they call it the Pacific theater?
During World War II (1939–45), the United States fought battles in several regions of the world. These regions were called theaters. Battles with the Japanese mostly occurred in the Pacific Theater, the waters and islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Why did Japan want the Pacific?
Faced with severe shortages of oil and other natural resources and driven by the ambition to displace the United States as the dominant Pacific power, Japan decided to attack the United States and British forces in Asia and seize the resources of Southeast Asia.
What is the war of the Pacific known for?
War of the Pacific, Spanish Guerra del Pacífico, (1879–83), conflict involving Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, which resulted in Chilean annexation of valuable disputed territory on the Pacific coast.6 days ago
What was the island War in the Pacific?
Island hopping: A military strategy employed by the Allies in the Pacific War against the Axis powers (most notably Japan) during World War II. It entailed taking over an island and establishing a military base there. The base was in turn used as a launching point for the attack and takeover of another island.
What was a major battle in the Pacific?
In December 1941 Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i, causing the U.S. to enter World War II. Over two years would pass until the Allies reached their great turning point in the Pacific War: the defeat of the Japanese at Guadalcanal in February 1943.
Who Won the War in the Pacific?
For six long months US forces fought to hold the island. In the end they prevailed, and the Allies took the first vital step in driving the Japanese back in the Pacific theater.
What was the outcome of the battle of the Pacific?
The U.S. Navy's decisive victory in the air-sea battle (June 3-6, 1942) and its successful defense of the major base located at Midway Island dashed Japan's hopes of neutralizing the United States as a naval power and effectively turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific.Dec 17, 2019