Crusade in the Pacific

An examination of Japan's military prior to WWII, looking at the puppet state in Manchuria, the war with China, and the discussions of Pearl Harbor.

A look at the relations between the U.S., the Philippines, and Japan prior to World War II.

An examination of early U.S. Navy operations, looking at the bases established in the South Pacific islands and at the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo.

U.S. marines land on the island of Guadalcanal and fight a well dug-in Japanese army while also being harassed by Japanese aircraft.

When the Japanese navy bombs Alaska and occupies islands off its shores, the U.S. responds by air and by sea and forces them out.

After landing in New Guinea, the Japanese attack Milne Bay but are beaten back by the combined powers of Australia and the U.S.

When valuable intelligence is gained about the Japanese stronghold on Bougainville, the Allies bomb the Solomon Islands and fight their way inland.

A look at the Allied campaign in the central Pacific, from air raids in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands to attacks on the atolls of Makin and Tarawa.

A look at life and the challenges faced aboard varying vessels of war, from naval submarines to aircraft carriers.

A look at the Allied campaign against Japanese outposts in the Marshall Islands, from the atoll in Kwajalein to that in Eniwetok.

An examination of the Allied effort on New Britain, and the crucial assistance received from Native American scouts and Australian coast watchers.

To aid their long range bombers over Japan, Allied forces need the island of Iwo Jima, but they face strong Japanese resistance on the beach.

On Okinawa, American forces initially meet little resistance as they split the island. But as they move to capture both halves, fighting grows fierce.

An examination of the air war over Japan, looking at the raids and attacks -- including those at Hiroshima & Nagasaki -- that led Japan to surrender.

After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrenders unconditionally to the Allies and reconstruction efforts begin.