Pearl Harbor
This is a day that will never be forgotten in United States history. The homeland was attacked. How did the country respond? How did it change the future of the United States and its role in World War Two?
Attack on Pearl Harbor Images and Maps
"A date which will live in infamy."
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt
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The Battle for the Pacific
Check out the links and videos below to find out the strategies, key battles, and important people that played a major role in the United States defeating the Japanese in the Pacific Theater.
Battle of Iwo Jima
This battle was definitely one of the defining moments of the war in the Pacific - from the battle strategies used by the Japanese, to the sacrifice made by the American soldiers, to its importance in eventually forcing the Japanese to surrender.
"The battle of Iwo Island [Jima] has been won. The United States Marines, by their individual and collective courage, have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat.... Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 17 March 1945.
"The battle of Iwo Island [Jima] has been won. The United States Marines, by their individual and collective courage, have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat.... Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 17 March 1945.
Battle Maps of Iwo Jima
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The Decision to drop the Atomic Bomb
Following the death of President Roosevelt, President Harry Truman was faced with one of the most difficult decisions ever made in the history of the world. He had to decide whether or not to use the deadliest weapon known to mankind. His decision would alter the future of the world forever.
"Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans. We will continue to use it until we completely destroy Japan's power to make war. Only a Japanese surrender will stop us." - Pres. Harry Truman
The Destruction of the Atomic Bomb
" I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed." - Albert Einstein
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"There is at least one defense against the atomic bomb. That defense lies in our mastering this science of human relationships all over the world. It is the defense of tolerance and of understanding, of intelligence and thoughtfulness." - Harry Truman