3. Conflict in the Pacific Flashcards
Front
Back
When and where was the first atomic bomb dropped?
August 6, 1945, on Hiroshima.
What was the immediate impact of the Hiroshima bombing?
Approximately 70,000-80,000 people killed instantly.
What percentage of Hiroshima was destroyed?
Over 90% of the city was destroyed.
When and where was the second atomic bomb dropped?
August 9, 1945, on Nagasaki.
What was the immediate impact of the Nagasaki bombing?
Approximately 40,000 people killed instantly.
Why was Nagasaki significant?
It was a significant industrial city contributing to Japan’s war effort.
What psychological impact did the atomic bombings have on Japan?
Created a sense of inevitable defeat among Japanese leadership.
How did the atomic bombings influence Emperor Hirohito?
He intervened and advocated for surrender.
Were the atomic bombings the sole factor in Japan’s defeat?
No, they were critical but not exclusive factors.
What were the economic factors leading to Japan’s defeat?
Blockades and bombings crippled industrial capacity; shortages of fuel, food, and materials.
What military defeats weakened Japan?
Battles such as Midway and the effective Allied island-hopping campaign.
What strategic errors did Japan make?
Overextension in the Pacific and failure to adapt tactics.
How did Allied unity contribute to Japan’s defeat?
Successful coordination and effective leadership by Allied forces.
How did the Soviet Union’s entry into the war affect Japan?
The Soviet invasion of Manchuria added pressure and demoralized Japan.
What were the War Crimes Tribunals after WW2?
Trials established to prosecute Japanese leaders for war crimes.
Who were some key figures prosecuted in the tribunals?
General Tojo and other military leaders.
Why was Emperor Hirohito not tried as a war criminal?
To ensure a smoother occupation and rebuilding process.
What happened to the Emperor’s role after the war?
Transformed from a divine ruler to a constitutional monarch.
What were the objectives of the Allied occupation of Japan?
Demilitarization, democratization, and economic reconstruction.
What political reforms were implemented in Japan during occupation?
A new constitution emphasizing democracy and pacifism.
What economic reforms occurred during the occupation?
Industrial reforms breaking up zaibatsu and promoting competition.
What social reforms were promoted in Japan during occupation?
Labor rights, women’s rights, and educational reforms.
When did the Allied occupation of Japan officially end?
With the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951.
