World War II: The Battle In The Pacific

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The Battle in the Pacific Since the birth of this wonderful nation, the United States of America, our history has been full of battles and wars. These conflicts that have found themselves in the many pages of history books include: the Revolutionary War, the Franco-American Naval War, the War of 1812, the War of Texas Independence, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War or conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While every one of these conflicts are of great importance to our nation and even to many parts of the world, America’s most romanticized war is World War II. The story of America before, during, and after World War II is so fascinating and admiring it is as though…show more content…
The main strategy was to control the Pacific, therefore to achieve that America had to protect and gain small islands throughout the Pacific to build airfields and naval bases. Of course in the beginning, Japan had a great advantage over the United States as they could easily choose where and when to attack. However, after the Battle of Midway, the two forces found them selves of equal advantage. After receiving intelligence that the Japanese were out for a decisive battle against the American Navy, Admiral Chester Nimitz knew Japan’s target would be Midway to further extend their strategic control in the Pacific. Japan’s naval commander, Yamamoto, believed the only way to gain control of the Pacific would be through an all-out battle against the United States’ fleet. However, knowing very well that the Americans would not back down, he expected Nimitz not to avoid such a conflict. Yamamoto’s plan for attack was not only very complex but also it relied on perfect timing, and tactics to lure parts of the American force away from the Japanese fleet. Yamamoto’s fleet consisted of: eight aircraft carriers, the ‘Yamoto’ which was the largest battleship in the world at the time, two other smaller battleships ‘Nagato’ and ‘Mutso’, and many cruisers and destroyers. However, the Japanese’s pan was far too ingenious and complicated. Yamamoto’s plan quickly began to foil after his attacks on the…show more content…
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was staged in four parts: the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle off Cape Engano, and the Battle of Samar. In 1944, after much debate, the Allied leaders decided to begin operations to liberate the Philippines. The first landings would take place with ground forces by General Douglas Macarthur, on the island of Leyte. In assistance, the United States 7th fleet, under Vice Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, was to provide close support, while William Hasley’s provided cover further out to sea. With all of this set in place the Leyte landings began October, 20 1944. However, this was no surprise to the Japanese. Admiral Soemu Toyoda, commander of the Japanese fleet, initiated a plan to block the invasion and called it ‘Sho-Go 1.’ This plan called for the majority of Japan’s remaining naval strength to be put to sea in four separate forces. The first of these, Northern Force, commanded by Vice Admiral Ozawa, and was centered on the carrier ‘Zuikaku’ and the lighter carriers ‘Zuiho,’ ‘Chitose,’ and ‘Chiyoda.’ Since the Japanese lacked the necessary amount of pilots and aircraft for battle, Toyoda planned for Ozawa’s ships to lure Halsley away from Leyte. Therefore, three separate forces could approach from the west to attack the United States’ landings at Leyte. The largest of the forces, Vise
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