Why did Japan decide to attack Pearl Harbor instead of the mainland west coast of the United States?
Why Attack Pearl Harbor? As war was inevitable, Japan’s only chance was the element of surprise and to destroy America’s navy as quickly as possible. Japan wanted to move into the Dutch East Indies and Malaya to conquer territories that could provide important natural resources such as oil and rubber.
Could Japan have invaded Alaska?
Imperial Japanese Army troops landed on 7 June 1942 the day after the invasion of Kiska….Japanese occupation of Attu.
| Date | 7 June 1942 – 30 May 1943 |
|---|---|
| Location | Attu, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States52.9241°N 173.1568°ECoordinates:52.9241°N 173.1568°E |
| Result | Japanese occupation commences. |
Who owned Alaska in 1942?
Alaska was granted territorial status in 1912 by the United States of America. In 1942, two of the outer Aleutian Islands—Attu and Kiska—were occupied by the Japanese during World War II and their recovery for the U.S. became a matter of national pride.
When did the Japanese invade Alaska in 1942?
The Forgotten Battle: The Japanese Invasion of Alaska 27 April 2019 In the early morning of 6 June 1942, 500 Japanese soldiers landed on Kiska, one of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. They took the only inhabitants of the island, a ten man (and six dog) US Navy Weather Detachment by complete surprise and quickly took control of American soil.
How did Japan attack the United States in WW2?
Making use of weather cover, the Japanese made a two-day aerial bombing of the continental United States for the first time in history on Dutch Harbor in the city of Unalaska, Alaska on June 3, 1942. The striking force was composed of Nakajima B5N 2 “Kate” torpedo bombers from the carriers Junyō and Ryūjō.
What did Japan know about the Aleutian Islands before WW2?
Before Japan entered World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy had gathered extensive information about the Aleutians but had no up-to-date information regarding military developments on the islands.
How did the US prevent the Japanese from taking the islands?
While the island was being bombarded, US Navy warships ensured that the Japanese supply line to the two islands was essentially strangled. This would ensure that the Japanese occupiers would be at their lowest ebb when the islands were retaken.