Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Planned Invasion of Japan
Notes
- Notes
-US used these islands to set up their airforce and attack Japan
-Battles for these islands were tough: kamikazes, and all soldiers fought to the death
-Invasion of Japan was estimated to take 1 million Americans, therefore they didn't
-US firebombed Japan
-Japanese didn't surrender - Invasion of Japan estimated to take 1 million American casualties
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Subjunctive QuestionCould the US have beaten Japan if they had lost the fight for these islands?
Interesting FactThe American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island, along with its three airfields
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Quote
Johnson called after Tuttle: "And make it a bigger one." (He was talking about the flag).
Summary
The battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa was a terrible time for both the American armies and the Japanese. Even though America had taken both islands it came at a massive cost. There were massive casualties on both sides of the line and some argue that it wasn't worth it. Even today the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa remain being one of the biggest symbols for American pride today. It is often compared with other great American accomplishments.