WORLD WAR II 1941 1945
THE START OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Americans faced little resistance from Japanese forces and were easily able to take this important island close to Japan
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Americans faced fierce resistance from the Japanese and experience many casualties. As a result Okinawa is considered one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific.
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Japan was able to halt the Americans Island Bombing strategy because of their victory on Okinawa
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Japan was able to destroy the remaining American aircraft carriers during this battle at sea.
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Detailed explanation-1: -Taking Okinawa would provide Allied forces an airbase from which bombers could strike Japan and an advanced anchorage for Allied fleets. From Okinawa, US forces could increase air strikes against Japan and blockade important logistical routes, denying the home islands of vital commodities.
Detailed explanation-2: -From April to June 1945, in the waters around Okinawa, the Japanese launched the largest kamikaze, or suicide, attack of the war. Japanese planes rammed into allied ships, sinking 26 and severely damaging 168. Almost 40% of the U.S. dead were sailors lost to these attacks, according to Skates.
Detailed explanation-3: -The Japanese made full use of the islands’ difficult terrain to ensure that the Americans were forced to fight for every inch of land. Pillboxes, bunkers, tunnels and concealed artillery emplacements were employed to deadly effect and Japanese troops fought with fanatical commitment.
Detailed explanation-4: -The losses at Okinawa convinced US war planners that any invasion of Japan would incur unacceptable casualties. Their estimates, at worst as many as 1 million US servicemen, were a key factor in President Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb.