Fascist Ideology
Today, I am going to talk about fascist ideology in Japan during the 1930s. But first, what is fascist ideology? Fascist ideology was the reason why World War 2 started. The 1930s were the most eventful and turbulent decade in Japanese history since the 1860s, its early years witnessed the assassination or fatal wounding of two prime ministers, the murder of two other prominent public figures, the plotting of two abortive military coups, and the ending of governments headed by party politicians. Fascism had special characteristics in Japan. As Abe Hirozumi puts it, 'it goes without saying that fascism is the special form of preventive counter-revolution in the general crisis of capitalism,' adding, however, the significant gloss that 'the role of fascism is not just the negative role of suppressing the revolutionary movement and shutting off the growth of anti-establishment: forces, but also that of positively drawing off the nation's energy and turning it towards foreign aggression. Fascism can be described as a belief in anti-rationalism, violence, elitism, charismatic leadership and extreme nationalism.Source: http://www.historytoday.com/richard-sims/japanese-fascism
Pacific War
The Pacific War, sometimes called the Asia-Pacific War, was the theatre of World War II which was fought in the Pacific and East Asia.
Kamikaze
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_War
Why did World War 2 (Pacific War) start?
The war in the Far East between China and Japan (which escalated into the Pacific theatre of the second world war) is generally considered to have begun on July 7th 1937 with the famous Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Some consider this to be the start of the Second World War. For Americans, World War II began on December 7, 1941. But war had been going on for years elsewhere. For the Chinese, war began in 1931, when Japan invaded northeastern China, setting up a Japanese state called Manchukuo. By 1938 Japan occupied much of China and had taken Nanking, longtime capital of China, where Japanese troops killed more than 42,000 civilians. For Europeans, war began in 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. The war in Europe would end in May 1945 and in the Pacific in August 1945.
Source: http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081015092210AA7nWPP
Timeline of World War II
September 18, 1931
Japan invades Manchuria.
Japan invades Manchuria.
October 2, 1935–May 1936
Fascist Italy invades, conquers, and annexes Ethiopia.
Fascist Italy invades, conquers, and annexes Ethiopia.
October 25–November 1, 1936
Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy sign a treaty of cooperation on October 25; on November 1, the Rome-Berlin Axis is announced.
Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy sign a treaty of cooperation on October 25; on November 1, the Rome-Berlin Axis is announced.
November 25, 1936
Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan sign the Anti-Comintern Pact, directed against the Soviet Union and the international Communist movement.
Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan sign the Anti-Comintern Pact, directed against the Soviet Union and the international Communist movement.
July 7, 1937
Japan invades China, initiating World War II in the Pacific.
Japan invades China, initiating World War II in the Pacific.
March 11–13, 1938
Germany incorporates Austria in the Anschluss.
Germany incorporates Austria in the Anschluss.
September 29, 1938
Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France sign the Munich agreement which forces the Czechoslovak Republic to cede the Sudetenland, including the key Czechoslovak military defense positions, to Nazi Germany.
Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France sign the Munich agreement which forces the Czechoslovak Republic to cede the Sudetenland, including the key Czechoslovak military defense positions, to Nazi Germany.
March 14–15, 1939
Under German pressure, the Slovaks declare their independence and form a Slovak Republic. The Germans occupy the rump Czech lands in violation of the Munich agreement, forming a Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Under German pressure, the Slovaks declare their independence and form a Slovak Republic. The Germans occupy the rump Czech lands in violation of the Munich agreement, forming a Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
March 31, 1939
France and Great Britain guarantee the integrity of the borders of the Polish state.
France and Great Britain guarantee the integrity of the borders of the Polish state.
April 7–15, 1939
Fascist Italy invades and annexes Albania.
Fascist Italy invades and annexes Albania.
August 23, 1939
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union sign a nonaggression agreement and a secret codicil dividing eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union sign a nonaggression agreement and a secret codicil dividing eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
September 3, 1939
Honoring their guarantee of Poland’s borders, Great Britain and France declare war on Germany.
Honoring their guarantee of Poland’s borders, Great Britain and France declare war on Germany.
September 17, 1939
The Soviet Union invades Poland from the east.
The Soviet Union invades Poland from the east.
September 27–29, 1939
Warsaw surrenders on September 27. The Polish government flees into exile via Romania. Germany and the Soviet Union divide Poland between them.
Warsaw surrenders on September 27. The Polish government flees into exile via Romania. Germany and the Soviet Union divide Poland between them.
November 30, 1939–March 12, 1940
The Soviet Union invades Finland, initiating the so-called Winter War. The Finns sue for an armistice and have to cede the northern shores of Lake Lagoda and the small Finnish coastline on the Arctic Sea to the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union invades Finland, initiating the so-called Winter War. The Finns sue for an armistice and have to cede the northern shores of Lake Lagoda and the small Finnish coastline on the Arctic Sea to the Soviet Union.
April 9, 1940–June 9, 1940
Germany invades Denmark and Norway. Denmark surrenders on the day of the attack; Norway holds out until June 9.
Germany invades Denmark and Norway. Denmark surrenders on the day of the attack; Norway holds out until June 9.
May 10, 1940–June 22, 1940
Germany attacks western Europe—France and the neutral Low Countries. Luxembourg is occupied on May 10; the Netherlands surrenders on May 14; and Belgium surrenders on May 28. On June 22, France signs an armistice agreement by which the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline. In southern France, a collaborationist regime with its capital in Vichy is established.
Germany attacks western Europe—France and the neutral Low Countries. Luxembourg is occupied on May 10; the Netherlands surrenders on May 14; and Belgium surrenders on May 28. On June 22, France signs an armistice agreement by which the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline. In southern France, a collaborationist regime with its capital in Vichy is established.
June 10, 1940
Italy enters the war. Italy invades southern France on June 21.
Italy enters the war. Italy invades southern France on June 21.
June 28, 1940
The Soviet Union forces Romania to cede the eastern province of Bessarabia and the northern half of Bukovina to the Soviet Ukraine.
The Soviet Union forces Romania to cede the eastern province of Bessarabia and the northern half of Bukovina to the Soviet Ukraine.
June 14, 1940–August 6, 1940
The Soviet Union occupies the Baltic States on June 14–18, engineering Communist coup d’états in each of them on July 14–15, and then annexing them as Soviet Republics on August 3–6.
The Soviet Union occupies the Baltic States on June 14–18, engineering Communist coup d’états in each of them on July 14–15, and then annexing them as Soviet Republics on August 3–6.
July 10, 1940–October 31, 1940
The air war known as the Battle of Britain ends in defeat for Nazi Germany.
The air war known as the Battle of Britain ends in defeat for Nazi Germany.
August 30, 1940
Second Vienna Award: Germany and Italy arbitrate a decision on the division of the disputed province of Transylvania between Romania and Hungary. The loss of northern Transylvania forces Romanian King Carol to abdicate in favor of his son, Michael, and brings to power a dictatorship under General Ion Antonescu.
Second Vienna Award: Germany and Italy arbitrate a decision on the division of the disputed province of Transylvania between Romania and Hungary. The loss of northern Transylvania forces Romanian King Carol to abdicate in favor of his son, Michael, and brings to power a dictatorship under General Ion Antonescu.
September 13, 1940
The Italians invade British-controlled Egypt from Italian-controlled Libya.
The Italians invade British-controlled Egypt from Italian-controlled Libya.
September 27, 1940
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact.
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact.
October 1940
Italy invades Greece from Albania on October 28.
Italy invades Greece from Albania on October 28.
November 1940
Slovakia (November 23), Hungary (November 20), and Romania (November 22) join the Axis.
Slovakia (November 23), Hungary (November 20), and Romania (November 22) join the Axis.
February 1941
The Germans send the Afrika Korps to North Africa to reinforce the faltering Italians.
The Germans send the Afrika Korps to North Africa to reinforce the faltering Italians.
March 1, 1941
Bulgaria joins the Axis.
Bulgaria joins the Axis.
April 6, 1941–June 1941
Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria invade and dismemberYugoslavia. Yugoslavia surrenders on April 17. Germany and Bulgaria invade Greece in support of the Italians. Resistance in Greece ceases in early June 1941.
Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria invade and dismemberYugoslavia. Yugoslavia surrenders on April 17. Germany and Bulgaria invade Greece in support of the Italians. Resistance in Greece ceases in early June 1941.
April 10, 1941
The leaders of the terrorist Ustasa movement proclaim the so-called Independent State of Croatia. Recognized immediately by Germany and Italy, the new state includes the province of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatia joins the Axis powers formally on June 15, 1941.
The leaders of the terrorist Ustasa movement proclaim the so-called Independent State of Croatia. Recognized immediately by Germany and Italy, the new state includes the province of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatia joins the Axis powers formally on June 15, 1941.
June 22, 1941–November 1941
Nazi Germany and its Axis partners (except Bulgaria) invade the Soviet Union. Finland, seeking redress for the territorial losses in the armistice concluding the Winter War, joins the Axis just before the invasion. The Germans quickly overrun the Baltic States and, joined by the Finns, lay siege to Leningrad (St. Petersburg) by September. In the center, the Germans capture Smolensk in early August and drive on Moscow by October. In the south, German and Romanian troops capture Kiev (Kyiv) in September and capture Rostov on the Don River in November.
Nazi Germany and its Axis partners (except Bulgaria) invade the Soviet Union. Finland, seeking redress for the territorial losses in the armistice concluding the Winter War, joins the Axis just before the invasion. The Germans quickly overrun the Baltic States and, joined by the Finns, lay siege to Leningrad (St. Petersburg) by September. In the center, the Germans capture Smolensk in early August and drive on Moscow by October. In the south, German and Romanian troops capture Kiev (Kyiv) in September and capture Rostov on the Don River in November.
December 6, 1941
A Soviet counteroffensive drives the Germans from the Moscow suburbs in chaotic retreat.
A Soviet counteroffensive drives the Germans from the Moscow suburbs in chaotic retreat.
December 7, 1941
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor.
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor.
December 8, 1941
The United States declares war on Japan, entering World War II. Japanese troops land in the Philippines, French Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), and British Singapore. By April 1942, the Philippines, Indochina, and Singapore are under Japanese occupation.
The United States declares war on Japan, entering World War II. Japanese troops land in the Philippines, French Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), and British Singapore. By April 1942, the Philippines, Indochina, and Singapore are under Japanese occupation.
December 11–13, 1941
Nazi Germany and its Axis partners declare war on the United States.
Nazi Germany and its Axis partners declare war on the United States.
May 30, 1942–May 1945
The British bomb Köln (Cologne), bringing the war home to Germany for the first time. Over the next three years Anglo-American bombing reduces urban Germany to rubble.
The British bomb Köln (Cologne), bringing the war home to Germany for the first time. Over the next three years Anglo-American bombing reduces urban Germany to rubble.
June 1942
British and US navies halt the Japanese naval advance in the central Pacific at Midway.
British and US navies halt the Japanese naval advance in the central Pacific at Midway.
June 28, 1942–September 1942
Germany and her Axis partners launch a new offensive in the Soviet Union. German troops fight their way into Stalingrad (Volgograd) on the Volga River by mid-September and penetrate deep into the Caucasus after securing the Crimean Peninsula.
Germany and her Axis partners launch a new offensive in the Soviet Union. German troops fight their way into Stalingrad (Volgograd) on the Volga River by mid-September and penetrate deep into the Caucasus after securing the Crimean Peninsula.
August–November 1942
US troops halt the Japanese island-hopping advance towards Australia at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
US troops halt the Japanese island-hopping advance towards Australia at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
October 23–24, 1942
British troops defeat the Germans and Italians at El Alamein in Egypt, sending the Axis forces in chaotic retreat across Libya to the eastern border of Tunisia.
British troops defeat the Germans and Italians at El Alamein in Egypt, sending the Axis forces in chaotic retreat across Libya to the eastern border of Tunisia.
November 8, 1942
US and British troops land at several points on the beaches of Algeria and Morocco in French North Africa. The failure of the Vichy French troops to defend against the invasion enables the Allies to move swiftly to the western border of Tunisia, and triggers the German occupation of southern France on November 11.
US and British troops land at several points on the beaches of Algeria and Morocco in French North Africa. The failure of the Vichy French troops to defend against the invasion enables the Allies to move swiftly to the western border of Tunisia, and triggers the German occupation of southern France on November 11.
November 23, 1942–February 2, 1943
Soviet troops counterattack, breaking through the Hungarian and Romanian lines northwest and southwest of Stalingrad and trapping the German Sixth Army in the city. Forbidden by Hitler to retreat or try to break out of the Soviet ring, the survivors of the Sixth Army surrender on January 30 and February 2, 1943.
Soviet troops counterattack, breaking through the Hungarian and Romanian lines northwest and southwest of Stalingrad and trapping the German Sixth Army in the city. Forbidden by Hitler to retreat or try to break out of the Soviet ring, the survivors of the Sixth Army surrender on January 30 and February 2, 1943.
May 13, 1943
Axis forces in Tunisia surrender to the Allies, ending the North African campaign.
Axis forces in Tunisia surrender to the Allies, ending the North African campaign.
July 10, 1943
US and British troops land on Sicily. By mid-August, the Allies control Sicily.
US and British troops land on Sicily. By mid-August, the Allies control Sicily.
July 5, 1943
The Germans launch a massive tank offensive near Kursk in the Soviet Union. The Soviets blunt the attack within a week and begin an offensive initiative of their own.
The Germans launch a massive tank offensive near Kursk in the Soviet Union. The Soviets blunt the attack within a week and begin an offensive initiative of their own.
July 25, 1943
The Fascist Grand Council deposes Benito Mussolini, enabling Italian marshall Pietro Badoglio to form a new government.
The Fascist Grand Council deposes Benito Mussolini, enabling Italian marshall Pietro Badoglio to form a new government.
September 8, 1943
The Badoglio government surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. The Germans immediately seize control of Rome and northern Italy, establishing a puppet Fascist regime under Mussolini, who is freed from imprisonment by German commandos on September 12.
The Badoglio government surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. The Germans immediately seize control of Rome and northern Italy, establishing a puppet Fascist regime under Mussolini, who is freed from imprisonment by German commandos on September 12.
September 9, 1943
Allied troops land on the beaches of Salerno near Naples.
Allied troops land on the beaches of Salerno near Naples.
November 6, 1943
Soviet troops liberate Kiev.
Soviet troops liberate Kiev.
January 22, 1944
Allied troops land successfully near Anzio, just south of Rome.
Allied troops land successfully near Anzio, just south of Rome.
March 19, 1944
Fearing Hungary’s intention to desert the Axis partnership, the Germans occupy Hungary and compel the regent, Admiral Miklos Horthy, to appoint a pro-German minister president.
Fearing Hungary’s intention to desert the Axis partnership, the Germans occupy Hungary and compel the regent, Admiral Miklos Horthy, to appoint a pro-German minister president.
June 4, 1944
Allied troops liberate Rome. Within six weeks, Anglo-American bombers could hit targets in eastern Germany for the first time.
Allied troops liberate Rome. Within six weeks, Anglo-American bombers could hit targets in eastern Germany for the first time.
June 6, 1944
British and US troops successfully land on the Normandy beaches of France, opening a “Second Front” against the Germans.
British and US troops successfully land on the Normandy beaches of France, opening a “Second Front” against the Germans.
June 22, 1944
The Soviets launch a massive offensive in eastern Byelorussia (Belarus), destroying the German Army Group Center and driving westward to the Vistula River across from Warsaw in central Poland by August 1.
The Soviets launch a massive offensive in eastern Byelorussia (Belarus), destroying the German Army Group Center and driving westward to the Vistula River across from Warsaw in central Poland by August 1.
July 25, 1944
Anglo-American forces break out of the Normandy beachhead and race eastward towards Paris.
Anglo-American forces break out of the Normandy beachhead and race eastward towards Paris.
August 1, 1944–October 5, 1944
The non-communist underground Home Army rises up against the Germans in an effort to liberate Warsaw before the arrival of Soviet troops. The Soviet advance halts on the east bank of the Vistula. On October 5, the Germans accept the surrender of the remnants of the Home Army forces fighting in Warsaw.
The non-communist underground Home Army rises up against the Germans in an effort to liberate Warsaw before the arrival of Soviet troops. The Soviet advance halts on the east bank of the Vistula. On October 5, the Germans accept the surrender of the remnants of the Home Army forces fighting in Warsaw.
August 15, 1944
Allied forces land in southern France near Nice and advance rapidly towards the Rhine River to the northeast.
Allied forces land in southern France near Nice and advance rapidly towards the Rhine River to the northeast.
August 20–25, 1944
Allied troops reach Paris. On August 25, Free French forces, supported by Allied troops, enter the French capital. By September, the Allies reach the German border; by December, virtually all of France, most of Belgium, and part of the southern Netherlands are liberated.
Allied troops reach Paris. On August 25, Free French forces, supported by Allied troops, enter the French capital. By September, the Allies reach the German border; by December, virtually all of France, most of Belgium, and part of the southern Netherlands are liberated.
August 23, 1944
The appearance of Soviet troops on the Prut River induces the Romanian opposition to overthrow the Antonescu regime. The new government concludes an armistice and immediately switches sides in the war. The Romanian turnaround compels Bulgaria to surrender on September 8, and the Germans to evacuate Greece, Albania, and southern Yugoslavia in October.
The appearance of Soviet troops on the Prut River induces the Romanian opposition to overthrow the Antonescu regime. The new government concludes an armistice and immediately switches sides in the war. The Romanian turnaround compels Bulgaria to surrender on September 8, and the Germans to evacuate Greece, Albania, and southern Yugoslavia in October.
August 29, 1944–October 28, 1944
Under the leadership of the Slovak National Council, consisting of both Communists and non-Communists, underground Slovak resistance units rise against the Germans and the indigenous fascist Slovak regime. In late October, the Germans capture Banská Bystrica, the headquarters of the uprising, and put an end to organized resistance.
Under the leadership of the Slovak National Council, consisting of both Communists and non-Communists, underground Slovak resistance units rise against the Germans and the indigenous fascist Slovak regime. In late October, the Germans capture Banská Bystrica, the headquarters of the uprising, and put an end to organized resistance.
September 12, 1944
Finland concludes an armistice with the Soviet Union, leaving the Axis partnership.
Finland concludes an armistice with the Soviet Union, leaving the Axis partnership.
October 20, 1944
US troops land in the Philippines.
US troops land in the Philippines.
October 15, 1944
The Hungarian fascist Arrow Cross movement carries out a coup d’état with German support to prevent the Hungarian government from pursuing negotiations for surrender to the Soviets.
The Hungarian fascist Arrow Cross movement carries out a coup d’état with German support to prevent the Hungarian government from pursuing negotiations for surrender to the Soviets.
December 16, 1944
The Germans launch a final offensive in the west, known as theBattle of the Bulge, in an attempt to re-conquer Belgium and split the Allied forces along the German border. By January 1, 1945, the Germans are in retreat.
The Germans launch a final offensive in the west, known as theBattle of the Bulge, in an attempt to re-conquer Belgium and split the Allied forces along the German border. By January 1, 1945, the Germans are in retreat.
January 12, 1945
The Soviets launch a new offensive, liberating Warsaw and Krakow in January, capturing Budapest after a two-month siege on February 13, driving the Germans and their Hungarian collaborators out of Hungary in early April, forcing the surrender of Slovakia with the capture of Bratislava on April 4, and capturing Vienna on April 13.
The Soviets launch a new offensive, liberating Warsaw and Krakow in January, capturing Budapest after a two-month siege on February 13, driving the Germans and their Hungarian collaborators out of Hungary in early April, forcing the surrender of Slovakia with the capture of Bratislava on April 4, and capturing Vienna on April 13.
March 7, 1945
US troops cross the Rhine River at Remagen.
US troops cross the Rhine River at Remagen.
April 16, 1945
The Soviets launch their final offensive, encircling Berlin.
The Soviets launch their final offensive, encircling Berlin.
April 1945
Partisan units, led by Yugoslav Communist leader Josip Tito, capture Zagreb and topple the Ustasa regime. The top Ustasa leaders flee to Italy and Austria.
Partisan units, led by Yugoslav Communist leader Josip Tito, capture Zagreb and topple the Ustasa regime. The top Ustasa leaders flee to Italy and Austria.
April 30, 1945
Hitler commits suicide.
Hitler commits suicide.
May 7, 1945
Germany surrenders to the western Allies.
Germany surrenders to the western Allies.
May 9, 1945
Germany surrenders to the Soviets.
Germany surrenders to the Soviets.
May 1945
Allied troops conquer Okinawa, the last island stop before the Japanese islands.
Allied troops conquer Okinawa, the last island stop before the Japanese islands.
August 6, 1945
The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
August 8, 1945
The Soviet Union declares war on Japan and invades Manchuria.
The Soviet Union declares war on Japan and invades Manchuria.
August 9, 1945
The United States drops an atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
The United States drops an atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
September 2, 1945
Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II.
Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II.
Source: http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007306
How The Pacific War Ended
The Pacific War ended when Japan formally surrendered. They agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, and the war ended on September 2, 1945.
Penalties Imposed
Reconciliation with The Harmed Countries
The UN was established in 1945 to reconciliate with the harmed countries. The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt was first used in the Decleration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/aboutun/history/
Annotated Map
Accounts of the Americans, Filipinos, and Japanese witnesses of this war
Source: http://www.macarthurmemorial.org/PDFFiles/PrimaryResources/World_WarII_PrimarySourceAnalysis.pdf
Background Information: Primary Document #1
Relations between Japan and the United States began to break down in the years after the end of World War I. Japan had been one of the Allied nations during World War I, but felt slighted by the terms of the Versailles Treaty. In the years that followed, Japan grew increasingly frustrated as its imperial ambitions were blocked or countered by Western nations. Japanese leaders began to see war as the only way to break out of this isolation and acquire territory and resources for their nation.
By 1940-1941 tensions were escalating between the United States and Japan and military action seemed a possibility. As a result, steps were taken to raise the alert levels of American forces in the Pacific. This message – received about two weeks before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor – warned General Douglas MacArthur that the Japanese might be planning an attack against the Philippines or Guam.
Warning telegrams like this were sent to U.S. forces throughout the Pacific. The telegrams primarily focused on the Philippines and Guam because no one thought it was possible for the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbor. As a major military base, Pearl Harbor was thought to have adequate defenses and general consensus among military leaders was that the Japanese could not reach Pearl Harbor without being detected.
Unfortunately, despite all of the intelligence indicating a possible Japanese attack, the United States was indeed surprised on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. Defying all odds, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, demonstrating that intelligence without a “who, what, when, where, why, and how,” can often be difficult to act on.
Background Information: Primary Document #2
In hindsight, the eventual victory of the Allies in World War II can seem like a foregone conclusion. In reality, victory was hardly certain. From the opening hours of the war against Japan, the United States was fighting an uphill battle.
Nine hours after Pearl Harbor was attacked, American and Filipino forces in the Philippines under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were also attacked. The Japanese invaded Philippines weeks after this first attack and soon MacArthur and his forces were forced to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula and the island fortress of Corregidor. Trapped and surrounded by the Japanese invaders, MacArthur’s forces continued their resistance.
As the Japanese invaded, many civilians in the Philippines became refugees. Thousands of men, women, and children flocked to Bataan and Corregidor in the hopes of escaping the Japanese and finding refuge with MacArthur’s forces. With food supplies dwindling daily, the situation on Bataan and Corregidor grew more and more dire.
General MacArthur lived on Corregidor with his wife and young son Arthur. Like many people on Corregidor, the General and his family spent a great deal of their time in tunnels that had been dug into the rock on Corregidor. This photograph shows General MacArthur’s young son Arthur outside of one of the tunnels on the fortress of Corregidor.
When it became clear that Bataan and Corregidor would eventually fall to the Japanese, President Roosevelt ordered MacArthur to escape from Corregidor. After much hesitation, MacArthur escaped with his family to Australia. In Australia, MacArthur uttered the famous promise: “I Shall Return.”
Background Information: Primary Document #3
The Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines propaganda as “ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause.” Propaganda leaflets were used extensively during World War II by both the Allied and Axis powers because each side understood that influencing public opinion or demoralizing the enemy was a powerful tool.
The most effective leaflets featured simple, dramatic, universally recognizable images. This particular leaflet targeted Filipinos in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation (1942-1944). The leaflet is meant to discourage the Filipino people from collaborating with the Japanese. The image implies that helping the Japanese will result in death and destruction. It also makes it clear that resisting the Japanese is the only way to achieve independence and democracy in the Philippines.
In 1944 General MacArthur kept his “I Shall Return” promise when he waded ashore at Leyte in the Philippines. As MacArthur’s forces worked to push the Japanese out of the Philippines, they were assisted by Filipino guerilla fighters who had been operating in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation. Many of these guerilla fighters had assisted the Allies in distributing “I Shall Return” propaganda throughout the Philippines to remind the Filipinio people to be ready for MacArthur’s return. This “I Shall Return” propaganda encouraged many to resist the Japanese and helped pave the way for MacArthur’s triumphant return.
Philippine Commonwealth Army personnel in Davao
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_the_Philippines_during_World_War_II
Background Information: Primary Document #4
The Commonwealth of the Philippines was invaded by the Empire of Japan in December 1941, shortly after Japan's declaration of war upon the United States of America.
Background Information: Primary Document #5
A Japanese soldier who hid in the Philippine jungle for three decades, refusing to believe World War II was over until his former commander returned and ordered him to surrender, has died in Tokyo aged 91.Source: http://news.yahoo.com/japan-wwii-soldier-hid-jungle-until-1974-dies-091014526.html
Background Information: Primary Document #6
"The beach, black with men, illumined by the fires, seemed a perfect target." -Arthur D. Divine
Source: http://eyewitnesstohistory.com/dunkirk.htm
Summary:
Source: http://www.study-skills-for-all-ages.com/image-files/venn_diagram.gif
