The Early War in the Pacific

Beginning in the 1930s, Japan aggressively expanded the territories under its influence, taking over parts of China, invading territories claimed by the Soviet Union, and fighting across the Pacific during World War II.

The attack on Pearl Harbor, a surprise military strike conducted by Japan on December 7, 1941, forced the United States to formally enter World War II.

The Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway were strategic triumphs for the Allies and marked the critical point in halting Japanese expansion during World War II.

The Guadalcanal campaign of 1942-43 became a crucial victory by Allied forces in the Pacific.