Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Japan's Strategy in 1941-1942

You will receive two readings in class tomorrow - they will assist you with answering the following questions on Japan's strategy in 1941-1942. 1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later? 2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States? 3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific? 4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union? 5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific? 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy? 7. Why was it adopted? 8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not? 9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters. 10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?

33 comments:

  1. William Portorreal
    IB History
    Ms. Noce

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    Japan believed it was best to go to war with the United States sooner than later for a couple of reasons. The Japanese thought their military strength was strong enough to handle the United States and beat them early in war. They also thought that if they waited too long then they would lack in war material and it would make it easier for the United States to beat them. They would rather take their chances while they feel ready and are well prepared, and not wait because they also run the risk of being attacked later on and lack on supplies from the long war.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    I think that the Japanese military planners were looking at the worst case scenarios because they wanted to be ready mentally and physically. In the text it talks about how most likely there going to have a long war because they weren’t sure that they could conquer the United States and Britain so they had to prepare for a long term war. I the short run the Japanese felt very confident but in the long run they felt like they weren’t going to be able to keep up with the other countries in war.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    The Japanese government had to create and strengthen a defensive perimeter for protection against the United States and anyone else. There was also a lot of naval planning’s discussed and meeting held between the navy staffs, the chiefs, and the prime minister so everyone would be on board. Japan also planned on getting any territory that was rich in resources.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    The Japanese believed that they wouldn’t have to face the Soviet Union and if they did they would be confident since Germany had already caused a lot of damage on the Soviet Union. Even though the Japanese thought it wasn’t likely they also believed at the same time there could be a chance that the United States would ask the Soviet Union to allow them to build air and submarine bases on their territory to attack Japan.
    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    Japan had a plan called the basic plan which was broken up into three phases. In phase one it talks about capturing the southern areas which are rich in resources, the attack on pearl harbor, and the capture of strategic areas such as Kuriles, Marshalls, Bismarck, Timor, java, Sumatra, Malaya and Burma in order to establish a defense for the Japanese mainland. The second phases talks about making defensive perimeter stronger and closer together. The third phase of the plan talks about destroying anything that is or looks like a threat to the defensive perimeter and destroying anyone who interferes with Japan attacking the unites states.

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  2. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    The overall Japanese strategy was to gain control over the pacific and gain control over the southern areas that were rich in natural resources. In additional to gaining control over the pacific they wanted to destroy the United States and build up a solid army and navy forces.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    This strategy was adopted because Japan felt that they needed to create a defensive perimeter and conquer south East Asia. They also felt the need to attack the United States before they moved on with their plans because they thought that the United States would stop them from finishing their plan later on, so Japan attacked the United States before attacking the southern countries in Asia.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    The Japanese had succeeded on the Pearl Harbor attack since it was a surprise attack, so they easily bombed Pearl Harbor. The outcome of it was that Japan had lost over the pacific against America and failed to keep fighting back at the islands. Also Japan didn’t have a strong enough defense perimeter because America had raided Japan. I think that Japan failed in general with their plans because they ended up losing battles and couldn’t keep up with the United States as the war went on so basically they just failed at their plans.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters
    Basically the supreme war council was used for war polices and its composed of the prime minister, navy ministers, the chiefs of staff of the army, and the foreign minister. The supreme war council basically tells the military what to do and controls all military action. The imperial headquarters on the other hand was composed of an army and navy section and their main focus was to get both the army and the navy to be under one command with the nation’s government.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    I think that the battle of port Morseby and midway are very important and I also believe that it was a turning point of the war. The battle was important because the Japanese had underestimated the American navy strength and in the battle of midway America proved Japan that they were capable of destroying the Japan navy. Japan had lost a lot of soldiers and equipment and was forced to leave. This battle had caused Japan to lose confidence and they leave the pacific islands because they couldn't face the attacks from the United States.

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  3. 1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the united states sooner rather than later?

    The Japanese believed I was better to go to war with the united states sooner rather than later because at the time their navy was doing extremely well. Shimada said “the navy stands a very good chance of victory in both the early stage operations”. The navy was doing so well at the time that they didn’t want to risk not being able to beat the United States navy. If they had went to war with the united states later and failed then they would be forced to “open hostilities at a grate operational disadvantage.”

    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country’s chances in a long war against the United States?

    The Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country’s chances in a long war against the United States because they wanted to have absolute confidence that they will win the war. They wanted to be exposed of any possibly outcomes and be prepared. As it states “the Emperor had asked the council whether it was advisable to proceed with war preparations as a military measure to meet the worst possible situations.” Japan wanted to ensure their safety and protect their country from any possible attack.

    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the
    pacific?

    The actions that the Japanese government took to prepare for a war in the pacific was taking the first step; using diplomacy. Which is the “profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country’s representatives abroad.” The Japanese government said that if their first stage doesn’t work then they would have no choice but to take up arms. By doing so they would plan out the best methods for winning the war.

    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?

    According to Japanese military planners, the war against the Soviet Union was very likely to happen. This was because the United States would of possibly for the Soviet Union to let the United States build submarine and air bases to attack japan. The Soviet Union would not reject United States wishes because they wasn’t prepared to protect themselves if the United States got anger if the Soviet Union rejected them. With the Soviet Union granting the United States’ wishes Japan was now in danger.

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  4. 5. What were the three phases of Japans strategy in the Pacific?

    1) Capturing territories they have beneficial resources this would help them go farther throughout the war, attacking the Pearl Harbor this will weaken the pacific making it easier to take over, also capturing areas that are very strategic this will make their plan go a lot easier.
    2) Making the defensive perimeter more organized and stronger so that the plan to take over the pacific with be stress free.
    3) Destroying any areas that will hurt their plan.

    6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?

    The overall Japanese strategy was to capture any areas that will help their plan succeed and stopping anyone who will get the Japan’s way of taking over the pacific. They would also capture anyone who will prevent japans premier defense from growing stronger.

    7. Why was it adopted?

    The Basic Plan was adopted to stop the allied powers from getting any stronger. This is why they had to capture any areas that will prevent japan from getting stronger. Japan did an air raid on Port Darwin, Ceylon, Hawaii, Sidney and Diego Suarez. This was called Raids on advanced Allied bases. This plan was also adopted because japan planned on using German submarine blockade tactics this is why japan captured all the areas where they had rich resources. This was called operations against allied lines of communications. This plan was adopted to make their perimeter defense stronger so they would have a smooth plan. This was called air defense operations in the home islands. Japan had radars at strategic points, improved their military and recruited many people to defense japan.

    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?

    -Raids on advanced Allied bases: These raids were not met because japan would do these raids with a small force compared to other country’s forces. For example the United States forces were bigger than Japan’s force. Resulting japan to fail.
    -Operations against Allied Lines of sea communications: This wasn’t met because “very little preparation and training was carried out before the war”
    -Operations for the protection of Japanese line of communications- This wasn’t met because first shipping was “comparatively light” during the first war. Also there was many good ideas about how this plan was going to work but Japan didn’t take their time to really make the plan successful.
    Air defense operations in the Home islands- this wasn’t met because they just failed completely. There wasn’t enough people and the performance was horrible. They didn’t have enough gasoline for the air planes.

    9. What was the purpose of the supreme war Council? Compare and contrast

    The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The Supreme War Council was created by a Prime Minister Yamagata Aritomothe. The Supreme War Council consisted of only Chiefs. The purpose of this was to “direct access to the Emperor” also to operate independently the civilian officials. The Imperial Headquarters consisted of Japanese Navy and army. They was completely independent from the civilian government unlike the Supreme War Council. They were both created by a Prime Minister but not the same one; Ito Hirobumi created the Imperial Headquarters.

    10. Why was the battle of Port Moresby and Midway important? Some refer to

    Midway as the turning point of the war- why would this stand true?
    The battle of Port Moresby and Midway was important and was a Turing point of the war because it put japan back in its place. Japan thought that they could defeat the United States. It showed all of the other countries that japan was only good for running their mouth.

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  5. William Reis
    Ms.Noce
    3/21/2014
    IB History

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    The Japanese main reason to go to war rather later was that Japan wanted to negotiate with the U.S. for resources but automatically, Japan thought that the negotiation would fail, so they thought might as well attack the U.S. If negotiations fail, Japan won't be ready to defend their selves and it looked like U.S. were basically ready for anything coming their way. Japan saw a risk starting the War but also saw a greater risk if they depended upon the negotiation. It was almost like Japan had no choice

    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    So, what does Pessimistic means? The word Pessimistic also comes from the word Pessimism, and pessimism means that: “the tendency to expect the worst and see the worst in all things”(Dictionary.com) Basically Japan wanted to beat the U.S. On the other hands, they did so many calculations and from what they did they were being outnumbered many times. Japan had a bad feeling about attacking the U.S. Also attacking the U.S. meant that they would have to spend money to make more armament which they desperately needed. And more armament, meant more resource that must be found.


    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    Preparing for a war in the pacific against the Allied Strength seems like a very stressful. They knew that going to the war against the Allied Power wasn't going to be a easy task. Preparing for the war in the pacific took many calculations to figure out the amount of armament they needed to outnumbered mainly the U.S.

    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    From what i read, Japan was viewing the Soviet Union Army weal because they lost a feel battle against Germany, so the Kwantung army weren't so worried about being attacked by the Soviet Union. The Japanese claimed as long as they maintain a strong position that Soviet Union won't make a move. On the other side, United States had a slight chance on forcing Soviet Union to prepare themselves just in case.

    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    The three phases of Japan’s strategy were: The first phase The take over of Areas in the Southern, why? Because those are were rich with resources that the Japan needed. The area which they would take over were made up of a few countries, they were: Marshalls, Kuriles, Bismarck's, Timor, Java, Sumatra, Burma and Malaya. The second phase of the Japan’s plan was to expand their land as much as possible. When expanding land, it also meant they would have to take over land that already had being own by other nations. These expansion plans was also to create more naval power and to control more land in the Pacific. At last, the third phase, it was mainly to prevent allied forces to prevent phases one and two, they manages to do this by raiding allied bases.

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  6. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    From my point of view, these strategies that were being made by the Japanese, they were just getting ready for war against the allied forces. The allied forces are very strong team in the World War II, and to defeat them it was no easy task. Overall the strategy was just to expand their power all around the pacific and take over lands that were richful in resources. Resources was something which they desperately needed and Japan wasn't the best place for resources.

    7. Why was it adopted?
    This strategy was adopted because according to calculations, Japan was weak against the Allied Forces. The only way they could beat them was to become more powerful and the three phases for Japan’s strategy was they key onto becoming more powerful. Like i said beating the Allied Forces was no easy task and they needed to be more ready and have a stronger defensive position when battle starts.

    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    One strategic goals that it was not met during the war was that the Japanese did not succeed towards estimating their economic and military expenses for the war and that they completely miscalculated the amount of money the United States would use for the war, in other words they weren't expecting the United States to use so much money towards the war. Or you can also say the United States used more money towards armamaent unlike Japan. Strategic goals that were met was actually the first phase of the plan that they created. They manages to create succes pretty easy.

    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The Supreme War Council was created 1917, It was made up of many war policies, it was also made up of members from the “Board of Field Marshals and Admirals, the War and Navy Minister, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Navy, and other high officers” From what i read in the packet, results taken in the council was more connected to National policies. To make a decision or a big decision with war, it take a long process to come to conclusion. The Imperial Headquarters on the other hands, was created in 1937, 20 years later after Supreme War Council was made, but it was mainly used by Japan in times of war. That cabinet was made up of the War and Navy Ministers, completely different from the Supreme War Council. This part of the Headquarters was that they mainly focus on the economical and and political parts of the Government. They also focused on the planning of the War. According to the reading, most of the time, they would come up with a debatable solution.


    10. Why is the Battle of Port Moresby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    Yes, I think the Battle of Midway was a turning point of the war, Why? Because Japan was suffering really bad loses agains the United States. They were losing while trying to defend United States strong offensive attacks. After a while Japanese were unable to carry on with losing agains the United States, and at some point United States were just increasing and increasing power and on the other hands Japan’s power was just steadily going down. This is why i would refere this battle to a turning point of the war, United States were beating Japan in the battle badly and Japan almost had nothing else to do! Japanese thought they could win the battle, but it didn’t turn out as planned.

    Works Cited

    "Pessimistic." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 22 Mar. 2014. .

    -Chapter 1: Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War.

    -Chapter 1: Japanese Naval Planning.

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  7. Victor Harris
    3/23/14
    Ms. Noce
    I.B History 11



    1. Why did the Japanese believe that is was better to go to war with the United States sooner than later ?

    -Japan were thinking they were better than the United States in every way, and they had a lot of confidence since their defense and strength started rise more and more every time they would take a new territory. Plus the more Japan would wait to start a war with United States it would hurt them because they would grow in strength and more bigger then Japan. Reading the packet, I can only see Japan beating the United States in the water, which more likely what Japan wanted.




    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about there country's chances in a long war against the United States ?

    -The military planners were talking about a long war with the United States because Japan didn't have well suited people for combat, but the United States did and can say 10 times better. The Americans would have been well prepared if Japan wanted to pull something early. Also with the great defensive with Great Britain, the Netherlands and China would be to much for Japan to handle. Lastly weather played a key role in war, Japan wanted to have a battle in December.



    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific ?

    -The actions the government took to prepare for war was talk to The Joint Army-Navy Supreme Military Council. Before they would start war, the Emperor asked was it the time to go to war, and after various views the Council agreed to go to war. Other preparations was to negotiation with the United States, which was a failure. Japan had confidence into fighting in the Pacific, and would of thought the United States has no chance.



    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union ?

    -The military planners didn't believe that the Soviet Union would try to launch an attack to Japan. The Soviet Union got destroyed by the German Army. The Soviet Union due to Germany was very weak, and shouldn't declared war on Japan. They had about 1,300 tanks and less then 1,300, so German gave the Union a real beaten. This is why the planners were saying they feel as if the Soviet Union won't attack. But there was a chance that the United States would force the Union into war. So in the ending they said we can't let that theory slip.



    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific ?

    -The first plan was to get a hold of Southern Areas which was "rich in resources". The areas that were going to get captured were Kuriles, Marshalls, Wake, Bismarks, Timor, Java, Sumatra, Malaya and Burma. Japan wanted all of this. Second phase was "consolidation and strengthening of the defensive perimeter". So basically making sure they were strong and not weak. And the last phase was thinking ahead of any attackers and get to them first. Also wanted to " destroy the United States will to fight".

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  8. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy ?

    -The overall strategy for strategy for Japan was make Japan more stronger and to expand the control of the
    the Pacific. There are for prime examples for this is, the capture of Port Moresby to make the defense of New Guinea and Bismarks. The capture of Midway to make Central Pacific stronger, with the invasion Western Aleutians to "reinforce" defense of the Northern Area. Lastly the "seizure" of New Caledonia, Fiji and Somoa to cut the ties between the United States. So like I said Japans overall strategy was to better their selves.



    7. Why was it adopted ?

    -It was adopted to prevent the strengths of the Allied power. The plans were supported based on four events. The air raid on Port Darwin 19 February 1942, Air raid on Celyon which happened 4 and 13 of April in 1942, raids in Hawaii and Diego Suarez and Sidney. This is were Japan started to get their ideas from so they can "reduce Allied air and surface strength by raiding tactics". And this what mostly Japan did too, was invade other places.


    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not ?

    - The goals that were met was Japan controlling the Pacific and Japan strengthening up there defensive. These were the goals that were met. What Japan failed in was estimate how many people they would have for war and how much "economic requirements" for the war as well. But the biggest thing Japan missed was how much the United States will to fight. Plus the United States had a well balance economic for war.


    9. What was the purpose of the Supreme War Council? Compare and Contrast the Supreme War Council to the Imperial Headquarters.

    -Basically the Supreme War Council was were you have meetings and talk about the issues you or your nation has. In this case in the reading the Emperor asked the council was it a good choice to start war. To me the Supreme War Council and Imperial Headquarters both wanted to help, but Imperial did more. The Council discussed and try to negotiate but seem to always fails. The Imperial would give you facts and how other territories seemed to look. The Imperial gives you more information that the Council could do. If I had to pick I would pick the Imperial Headquarters because it seemed they had information on everything..which can be a great tool in war.



    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war-why would this stand true ?


    - I think it was important for Japan because Japan was in the progress in building their strengths and defensive up, with "the capture of Midway in order to strengthen the defenses of the Central Pacific and to force a decisive engagement with the United States Fleet". This would make Japan extend it's control. Midway could of been a turning point because basically Japan owned the Pacific which could stop the United States in trade and getting supplies from other nations. Also could affected if other nations needed something from the United States but couldn't travel. This would stand true because the United States were kind of known for trade with others.



    Work Cited:
    The Campaigns of the Pacific War packet

    Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War packet

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  9. Jerilys S.
    IB World History
    Ms.Noce
    Japan’s Strategy

    #1) Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    - The Japanese believed it was better to go to war with the United States sooner than later because of the following reasons: they believed their navy was powerful enough, in order to be free Japan needed to fight the United States and the longer they waited the less powerful and the less materials they would have.

    #2) Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country’s chance in a long war against the United States?
    - The Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country’s chance in a long war against the United States because they were not confident about the success of their diplomatic negotiations. If their diplomatic negotiations did not go as planned, there was a high chance of them not being able to defeat the United States.

    #3) What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    - The Japanese government increased their army eight times bigger, planned to attack as early as December instead of spring time and planned to attack the stronger bases first. These were the actions the Japanese government took to prepare for a war in the Pacific.

    #4) According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    - According to Japanese military planners, war against the Soviet Union was unlikely because the Soviet Union was very weak after their battles against Germany. But, there was a chance that the United States would influence the Soviet Union to attack Japan. It was kind of a 50/50 chance of war happening and not happening.

    #5) What were the three phases of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific?
    - The three phases of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific were the following: to catch the Southern Areas because they had many resources, use German submarine blockade tactics (Operations Against Allied Lines of Communication) and straightening their air navy organizations (Operations for the Protection of Japanese Lines of Communication).

    #6) What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    - The overall Japanese strategy was to capture any areas they needed and to strengthen their armies.

    #7) Why was it adopted?
    - The Basic Plan was adopted because the Japanese thought it would help them be successful. But it turned out it made them weaker. They underestimated the United States and ended up worse than before. It can be assumed that the Basic Plan was unsuccessful.

    #8) Which strategic plans were met, and which were not?
    - The Raids on advanced Allied bases were quite successful at first but failed at the end, the Operations for the protection of japanese line of communication failed and the Air defense operations in the home lands failed because they were not ready when they were being attacked. In conclusion, all the plans basically failed which is why I claimed above that the Basic Plan was unsuccessful.

    #9) What was the purpose of the Supreme War Council? Compare and Contrast The Supreme War council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    - The purpose of the Supreme War Council was to meet there and discuss the plans for war. The Supreme War council and the Imperial Headquarters were created by a Prime Minister. The Imperial Headquarters was headed by Chiefs and Staffs of the Army. The Supreme War council was headed by Chiefs only. The Supreme War Council and the Imperial Headquarters were very important for the Japanese government.

    #10) Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    - The Battle of Port Morseby and Midway are important because after the failures of them, Japan realized that the United States had a higher chance of winning. The fact that some refer to Midway as the turning point of war would stand true because they realized that the Basic Plan did not work and they were running out of plans or strategies to beat the United States.

    Work cited:
    - Both handouts

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  10. 1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    - They didn’t only believe it was better to go to war with the United States sooner. The Japanese thought they could free themselves from the crisis of “Imperial Japan” and the only way they could have freed themselves is if they go to war with the United States and also Great Britain and the Netherlands. Doing this would end up safeguarding the nations existence and security and would also bring more order to the greater East of Asia. But after longer discussions about this decision making of going to war with them, the council had agreed that Japan should go to war.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country’s chances in a long war against the United States?
    - At first the Japanese believed they had a chance and they were going to be able to beat Britain and the United States. The Japanese believed they can take the British out quickly but they knew they were going to have to be prepared to face a long war with the United States. This is when they started to get a little pessimistic. They started to see changes in the numbers of armed forces in the Philippines, Malaya, Dutch East Indies, and Burma (all U.S territories). They started to somewhat tremble with a fear that these numbers will increase. They started thinking how the United States air pilots perform well. But it was known the longer Japan waited to strike the U.S, the less of a chance they had of winning against them in this war only because of these reasons: Japan wouldn’t be able to keep up with the armaments the United States would be able to produce “especially in aircraft production”. They began to think how defenses in the Philippines could cause sort of a impact.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    - The Japanese knew of not only just the United States naval strength but, the whole allies naval strength. But they started breaking down which of the aircrafts and vessels were actually capable of war compared to theirs. Then they began to estimate for the ratio of both armies later in the future. Also to prepare for the Pacific war, they began making more naval forces (estimated to be increased 130,000 tons a year).
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    - The Japanese planners believed it was very unlikely for the Soviet Union to go to war against them. I say that because when I was reading, I seen that the Japanese planners (when going over the Soviet Unions Army) viewed them as weak due to the fact that Germany handled them well. So they believed they didn’t have to worry about the Soviet Union interfering.
    5. What were the three phases of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific?
    - Phase one was to attack Sothern Areas that had resources valuable to the United States. They had plans of attacking the American fleet in Hawaii while also blockading and setting up a perimeter around Japanese resources so the Americans wouldn’t pull the same attack on them. For phase two all they wanted to do was fix their defensive perimeter and also strengthen it. Phase three I kind of see as them have very strict protection. I say this because phase three was about intercepting and destroying anything that could be seen as trying to attack them or anything that looked threatening to them.

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  11. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    - The Japanese had an overall goal that they hoped to attain after the war, this goal was to make Japan self-sufficient. But after the first phase was victorious they delayed the second phase and began to plan for further expansions.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    - At first the plans for further expansion were “hotly debated”. I believe they were hotly debated because they were abandoning their first plan they came up with and I believe some people were just not as comfortable as other when switching over, but of course they changed their mind when the air raid on Tokyo occurred. This is why I believe they adopted the new strategy of further expansion.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    - Well phase one was the only successful strategic goal for the Japanese from what I read. They experienced a lot of fundamental problems when it came to the war and greatly depended on capturing Morseby and Midway to help strengthen the Country. But losing them ruined their hopes for expansion (this caused the Japanese to go back to their original plan of consolidation but was to late because Japan was already weak and could not really improve their defense since they were already struggling). Plus, the Japanese underestimated the funds the United States was going to put into the war.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    - The Supreme war council had the purpose of being chief advisory and formulation of war policies and was run by High Ranking officers. So the Supreme War Council sort of watched over the war policies and kept Japan safe with their decision making. But the Imperial Headquarters had more of a voice when it came to formulating national policies. They both were involved with war affairs but the only difference was that Imperial Headquarters soon took all the power and the Supreme War Council had very little and blame was put on them for this direction of the war.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war – why would this stand true?
    - The reason both these battles are important is because both Morseby and Midway were going to help strengthen Japans defense. Midway was going to strengthen the Central Pacific and engage with the United States fleet. Morseby was going to strengthen defenses in New Guinea and Bismarcks. These were only a few of their plans, but this was all of a greater effort to reduce the Allies air and surface strength by raiding tactics (When groups of planes, bomb or shoot enemies on the ground, sometimes by surprise). The Battle of Midway was known as a turning point for the Japanese because they faced a heavy loss. A lot of their strength was used to only counter the United States offensive attacks. The Japanese had to stop raids on the Allied bases because they couldn’t handle the offensive push the United States was throwing at them. Practically the United States was getting better and better at each offensive attack and it showed on the Japanese end because their air forces decreased steadily. So this is why the Battle of Midway would be seen as a turning point for the war, the evidence of the United States offensive onslaught would be proof to why that statement could stand true.

    Work cited:

    The Campaigns of the Pacific War
    Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War

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  12. Germairy Roman
    Ms. Noce
    IB History 11
    3/23/14
    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    There were two major reasons for this. The first reason was the Strength of Japan's military and Japan's diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Japan believed that going to war with the USA sooner was better because their military was strong at the moment. When it comes to diplomatic negotiations, if Japan can't fulfill negotiations then they'll be forced to go to war with the USA. Japan may or may not have a strong military at the time that they're forced to go to war if they fail at a negotiation with the USA.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country's chances in a long year war with the USA because their military would get worn out. After some time the Japanese military would weaken. The military would experience shortages of materials which would don take a toll on them if they were to enter a long time war with the USA.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    The Japanese government wanted to create a strong military, get resources, and have defense. Obviously Japan needed a strong military to go To war in the Pacific. Japan got their resources from southern areas and they use that for war. Japan built a defensive perimeter to have during a war in the Pacific.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    War against the Soviet Union was unlikely and not expected. Japan believed that if they kept their army strong then they wouldn't have to go to war against the Soviet Union. Japanese military planners thought war with the Soviet Union was far fetched because the Soviet Union was damaged and weak.
    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    The first phase of Japan's strategy in the Pacific was to acquire all of the southern areas because those areas are rich in resources. The second phase was strengthening their defensive perimeter. The third and final phase was destroying anyone who attacked the defensive perimeter or any area inside the perimeter.

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  13. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    I believe that the overall Japanese strategy was taking over territory and getting ready for war. A majority of Japan's time was used trying to take over land. They wanted to overtake all of the southern areas because that's where they can get resources. If Japan is able to get resources then they'd be prepared for war. Japan wants to get ready for war because if they're involved in a long term war they want to be prepared. Getting resources from southern areas would prevent the shortages of materials.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    The Japanese strategy was adopted because Japan was going to have to go to war sooner or later. Japan knew that they would be involved in a war so they wanted to adopt a strategy that would help them succeed.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    Strategic goals that were met were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific. Japan was able to take over the southern areas to get resources, strengthen their military, and destroy those who would attack the defensive perimeter. I don't think that Pearl Harbor was entirely successful. Pearl Harbor was bombed but that didn't prevent the USA from bombing Japanese cities.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The purpose of The Supreme War Council is to create war policies and the purpose of The Imperial Headquarters was to create national policies. People involved in The Supreme War Council were the Board of Field Marshals and Admirals, the War and Navy Ministers, the Chiefs of Staff of huge Army and Navy, and other high officers that were chosen by the Emperor. Members chosen for The Imperial Headquarters were the Prime Minister, the War and Navy Ministers, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Navy and the Foreign Minister.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    The Battle of Port Moresby and Midway was important because it gave Japan a plan in defeating the USA. Japan created an operation to destroy the US forces and cut the lines of communication of the USA. To carry out these plans Japan built up naval air forces (both carrier and land-based). Midway being the turning point of the war is true because it caused Japan to want to destroy the USA and Japan created operational plans.
    Work Cited - two handouts from class

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  14. Dinia Clairveaux
    Ms.Noce
    IB History
    3/23/14

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    The Japanese felt they should go to war because they did not have any confidence in the success of the diplomatic negotiations with the United States. The Japanese wanted to free Japan of the economic crisis that it was facing during that period. its seem as the decision to go to war with The United States was forced on to them.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    The Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country's chances in the war because they wanted to see if their was an hope that they might win if they go to war with the United States. They were searching to see can they make their weakness as a strong point. The planners were brainstorming ideas on how to place a surprise attack on the United States.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    The actions that the Japanese government take to prepare for war was calculate all of the numbers of air-crafts, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, submarines that the United States had with their amount. Then also go and compare the number of war materials that the U.S allies have and how they are also going to attack successfully.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    War with the soviets was very unlikely because they had just suffered a severe loss from the German Army and they are low on ammunition. They were in no shape of attack anyone.
    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    Phase one as to invading the the southern front and take its rich resources to help them advance into bombing pearl harbor which would weaken the United States in the pacific and making it easier for them to attain control of the pacific. Second phase was to erase any threats and to expand their territorial gains to expand Japan and strengthen the defensive perimeter. third phase was to abolish any advantages that the allies could posses that would be use against them.
    6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    The overall Japanese strategy it seem is the Japanese would carefully calculate the plans of attack one the allies and when they saw an opening they would go for it. They were aiming to attain territories that that would benefit Japan with rich resource which would solve the crisis that they were facing and most of all to destroy the allied forces .
    7.Why was it adopted?
    The strategy was adopted because the Japanese knew that they were at a disadvantage in the war and they need a method that would help a small army outsmart it enemy and to lead it to victory.

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  15. And that’s what the careful, observance calculations of the allied powers advantages and ammunition got them.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    the goals that were met were that Japan did gain control of the pacific after the bombing of pearl harbor and also that they had become stronger and during that time were they were ahead of the allied powers they had worked hard to reduce the the allied air surface by conducting raids on them. But in the end all efforts were lost because Japan did not succeed in expanding territories and they got bomb by the United States almost twice leading to them surrender.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The purpose of the supreme council was created to facilitate formulation of basic policies for the behavior of the war and also to gain national unity in the prosecution of war. The imperial headquarters was created to assume supreme military command. the council was made up of “Board of Field Marshals and Admirals, the War and Navy Minister, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Navy, and other high officers”(pg2) while the imperial headquarters was made up of the prime minister, the war and navy ministers , the chiefs of staffs of the army, and navy. the council took a longer time making decisions than the Imperial Headquarters.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Moresby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    This would stand true because it was the turning point when the allied powers started winning and the Japanese lost and had to retreat From that point on the Allies had the advantage and the Axis powers powers were at a constant losing rate.

    Sources: The Campaigns of the Pacific War packet
    Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War packet

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  16. Dimas A. Amezquita
    IB History
    Ms. Noce
    March 23, 2014

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    The main reason for the Japanese going to war rather than later was because Japan wanted to somehow negotiate with the U.S. for their resources, but Japan was thinking that negotiating with the U.S. would fail. So Japan thought that if there is no other way of negotiating with the U.S., might as well just attack the U.S. Japan had no other choice to go to war with the U.S. because if the negotiating really did not work out, Japan would not be ready to defend themselves from the U.S. attack because the U.S. military is mostly ready to go to war with any other country. Japan took a risk of going to war with the U.S., but they also were risking themselves of depending on negotiation. That is why Japan had no choice to go to war against the U.S.

    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    Pessimistic means for something negative to happen, which is how the military planners felt when they were thinking about their chances of going to war against the U.S. Japan really wanted to humiliate the U.S., but when Japan was planning or doing their calculations, they knew they were outnumbered by the U.S. so many times that they were looked as a weak military. That is because Japan knew that if they attacked the U.S. something bad will happen to them if they do so and attacking the U.S. would mean spending a lot of money on getting military weapons and equipments, which they really needed if they had any chance on defeating the U.S., but Japan did not have a lot of money, which they had to get more resources to get weapons and equipments.

    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    The actions that the Japanese government was trying to prepare for a war in the Pacific was very difficult for them because they knew that the Allied Powers were prepared for war at any time that Japan knew they were not ready and if they go to war against the Allied Powers or mostly the U.S., it would not be an easy task of defeating them all. Japan did for preparing for war was to look at different ways or doing some calculations on figuring out how they going to get a lot of armament that will be needed to outnumber the U.S. and the different tactics they could use to win the war.

    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    According to Japanese military planners, the likely of going to war against the Soviet Union was not likely because Japan knew that the Soviet Union had lost a battle against Germany and the Kwantung army was really not worried about being attacked by the Soviet Union. Japanese thought that if they could maintain a strong position, then the Soviet Union would not make a move to attack, but the U.S. made the Soviet Union to be prepared like letting the U.S. build air bases and submarines in their territory, just in case if there was an attack from Japan. So Japan was in big trouble if they attacked the U.S. or the Soviet Union because the U.S. had its resources from the Soviet Union to defeat Japan.

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  17. 5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    The first phase of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific was taking over the southern areas because it is where there were good resources that Japan really needed for their military and going father throughout the war. So Japan did was attack Pearl Harbor, which it weaken the Pacific making it easier of taking over the Southern areas like: Marshalls, Kuriles, Bismarck’s Timor, Java, Sumatra, Burma, and Malaya. The second phase was to expand their land, but they had to use their force to take over other nations land for their own. Also expanding their lands was a way to create naval power and be able to control the Pacific. Last phase was preventing the Allied Forces or other threat that would prevent them from interfering phases one and two from happening. The way Japan did was by attacking allied bases.

    6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    The overall strategy for Japan was trying to get ready for war against the Allied forces. The reason of being prepared for war against the Allied forces was because they were stronger and a well prepared group of different countries that had many resources for the war. Japan knew that they had to increase their resources and increase their armament, which was no easy task. That was mostly what they were really trying strategically wanted to do, because by expanding their power in the Pacific, Japan would be able to take over the land that had good resources and that was what Japan desperately needed to be confident enough to defeat the Allied forces.

    7. Why was it adopted?
    I think the strategy was adopted because with all the calculations and ways Japan was doing to be prepared for the war against the Allied Forces; they still were no that powerful or did not have any chance to defeat the Allied Forces. The only way Japan could defeat the Allied Forces is by using their three phases of their strategies that would make them more powerful and, Japan had to be more prepared of getting their resources and armaments or having a strong defensive position to defeat the Allied Forces.

    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    On what I read in the packet, phase one of Japan’s strategies was successful because it helped Japan on getting good resource by taking over the Southern areas in the Pacific. A strategic goal that I think did not met for Japan during the war was the way they did not estimated their economic and military expenses for the war. Also, Japan did not calculated the amount of money that the U.S. would use for the war, which they miscalculated and did not expect the U.S. of using so much money for their armament and military equipment for defeating Japan. On the other hand, Japan did not have enough resources or money that would help them on increasing their armament and military equipments that they were overpowered by the U.S. and it was hard for Japan defeating the U.S. during the war.

    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The Supreme War Council was established in 1917, which was made up of war policies, also was made up of members from the “Board of Field Marshals and Admirals, the war and Navy minister, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Navy, and other high officers.” The Supreme War Council was more connected to National policies. The way the council handles its war decisions is a slow and long process to find a conclusion. Then there was the Imperial Headquarters that was established in 1937, after 20 years the Supreme War Council was established and it was mostly used by Japan during the war. The Headquarters was different from the Council because it is made out of the war and Navy ministers. Also the Headquarters only focused on economical, political parts of its government, and was trying to plan a war, which sometimes it was debatable of creating a solution.

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  18. 10. Why is the Battle of Port Moresby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    I agree with the Battle of Midway being the turning point of the war because Japan suffered so many bad loses from the U.S. They suffered so much because Japan was just defending the U.S. offensive attacks than attacking the U.S. and that was too much for Japan. After all the loses that Japan had, it was sure that Japan could not handle the power that the U.S. put on them, and what made it worse was that the U.S. was still increasing their power until Japan was done. Then there was Japan who really did not know what to do to defeat the U.S. and their power was decreasing and they had become a weak country. Japan really thought that they was going to win the war, but that did not happened with Japan being overpowered and was clueless on what to do next, which made the U.S. take the victory.

    Works Cited:
    Chapter 1: “Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War.”
    Chapter 1: “Japanese Naval Planning.”

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  19. Samantha Foster
    Ms.Noce
    IB world History
    3-21-14
    Japan's Strategy in 1941-1942
    1.Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    Japan wanted to go to war with the US as soon as possible because with the current strength of their navy and air fleets, they could have been able to take them on. If they waited, it would give the US more time to build ships and air fleets, making them a more formidable foe to Japan.

    2.Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    The military planners were pessimistic about their country’s chances in a longer war against the US because it would put a strain on Japan’s navy. The longer the war lasted, the more likely Japan would suffer from a shortage of war materials and the insufficiency of Japan’s industrial industry.

    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    One thing that the Japanese government did to prepare for war in the pacific was estimating the naval strength of the US, Great Britain, and the Netherlands in the Pacific. Through these estimations, the Japanese were able to come to the conclusion that if they were to engage in an air fleet battle with the US, they would be the one to come out victorious. They also came to the conclusion that the US would able to produce more battleships and therefor the Japanese navy would be inferior to that of the US.

    4.According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    War with the Soviet Union was very unlikely. The reason why the Japanese were confident about this because the Soviet Union were already suffering from the sever casualties from the German Army.

    5.What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    In the first phase of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific, Japan would take control of the Southern Area that were full of recourses and attack the US fleet in Hawaii. They would also go on to take control of other areas and positions in order to create a perimeter of defense for their resources in the South and for the Japanese Mainland. The second phase was to strengthen the defensive perimeter while the third phase was to intercept and destroy all forces that posed a threat to the defensive perimeter.

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  20. 6.What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    The overall Japanese strategy was to take control over the Pacific. This involved seizing many islands in the Pacific in order to strengthen their defensive perimeter and raiding many bases of the allied forces.

    7.Why was it adopted?
    At first, the Japanese had no intentions of carrying out the basic plan because they felt as though they failed to estimate their military and economic requirements for the war properly and they also underestimated the potential of the US. However, the Japanese have a change of heart when the air raid on Toyo on April 18, 1942 was mentioned.

    8.Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    The Japanese managed to compete the first phase of their plan which involved seizing islands in the South Pacific. They were unable to complete the next phases of their plan because the Japanese Naval Air Force suffered from their unsuccessful raid on bases of the Allied Force.

    9.What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    The purpose of the Supreme War Council was to create policies for the conduct of war and to bring together opposing parties in times of war. The Supreme War Council differed from the Imperial Headquarters because it did not concern itself with operational plans and the Imperial Headquarters had more of a say in national policies.

    10.Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    The battle of Port Morseby and Midway were important because it was a wakeup call to the Japanese. Some would refer to Midway being the turning point of the war because it is then that the Japanese realize they’re in over their heads. They realize that their goals for expansion were far too large for them to carry out.

    Works cited:
    Packets from Ms. Noce

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  21. Erick Volquez
    IB History 11
    3/23/2014
    Reading Packet Questions
    1. The Japanese government was discouraged and raged after the United States closing doors for trade. Japanese believed that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later because they had the idea that there was a total lost in the pacific war so how United States had already closed doors to them, why not attack them. As we know, Japan had a relationship trade with the United States for natural resources but United States closing doors to Japan Led them to immediately attack Pearl Harbor. Attack the U.S navy was “a way” that Japanese thought that would destroy the United States and keeping them in the western side of the world to attack them and make them give them what they want. What doesn’t fit in my head is, why would they want to go against a bigger country? It was almost like a suicidal attack.
    2. Analyzing the size of military and resources that the United States versus Japan’s, Japan was out numbered. Japanese seemed to have no doubt that they were going to lose but they still managed to attack eh United states, Join to fight in the Pacific War. Their plan was to attack all they can but then when joining another country they could have a second attack. This was complete suicidal from them because the United States was already outraged by the attack in pearl harbor so they were going to attack but since they had to aid the Allies, they leaned towards the Eurocentric part of the war and left the Japan for last in the attacks for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These attacks came from the United States using nuclear bombs against Japan to end the war since they wanted to act tuff, this came to them which of course were a travesty but war is war.
    3. The Japanese saw that if wiping out the Western Pacific United states Naval base of Pearl Harbor would give them an advantage. The Japanese government had a based out plan and this was to go from the stronger column which was the United States and then after taking them down or at least trying to, would give them an advantage to prepare and cause a massive strong attack on the war in the pacific. Another thing that I find interesting is that having a good amount of time to prepare would give Japan almost (according to Yamamoto) about 6 months for the country to heal and have about half of year victory secured and promised to the Japanese. Of course the attack to pearl harbor was a success but this didn’t stop America and soon Japan would wish not to do this; even if it was later attack, it still took away japans “victory”
    4. Since Japan was united with the Nazi, The Soviet Union was in displeased with this and united with Mongolia and planed an attack. Japan had a war against the Soviet Union in (1945). According to the Japanese military planners, the likely hood for going to war with the soviet union was not likely but then after wanting to attack and just being united with the Nazi, the soviet union wasn’t pleased with what they were doing so they attack them and the likely hood of going to job with the soviet union raised.

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  22. 5. The three phases of Japan’s strategy in the pacific where…
    • Using as much surprise attacks as possible and taking over as much islands as possible making it hard for the United States to look for these islands for re conquest or anything in its surroundings.
    • The United States didn’t really play attention to these islands and maybe didn’t know anything about them which made it easy to take over since United State’s knowledge on these islands was low.
    • Most of these Islands were under independence and not having so much knowledge brought out to the world; Japan took advantage of this and hurried as soon as possible to take over these Pacific islands.
    6. Japan’s overall plan was to try as much as possible to keep the United States away from obtaining any form of regaining strength after the attack of Pearl Harbor. After doing this, taking over as much islands as possible to keep away any form of re conquest of islands from the United States to be close to Japan and mobilizing aid to Germany. One thing Japan didn’t realize is that United States would defeat the Nazi and go after them; finishing the war by attacking Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
    7. This strategy was adopted by the Japanese so that there would be an extra security that Japan would be at victory to have enough time to have strength in the country, help and aid Germany and keep United States and the allies away from victory as possible.
    8. All the goals that Japan had been not all completed. Some of them were like Helping the Nazi and Attacking Pearl Harbor so that the United States can have a slower time gaining strength back. One thing that they failed at was keeping victory away from the allies. Japan was only focus on attack the U.S but also helping Germany to stop France and Great Britain but the United States joining the Eurocentric war changed everything. This caused a greater unity between the Allies which lead to Nazi and Japan’s defeat.
    9. The supreme war council had a strong say in the war. They were the ones who directed the commands threw what the country wanted, which of course was war. The Imperial Head quarters were the more militaristic side of Japan and where actually the ones that executed the country’s commands. These two had similarities like being all under one power but the Supreme war council gave the plans and the Imperial headquarters executed the commands.

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  23. The battle of the Coral Sea (Port Morseby) prevented the Japanese from taking over Port Moresby threw the sea; this was temporarily because it also delayed Japan’s plans to take over the Solomons. The Australia and New Guinea land and sea area became a war front between the allies and Japan. The War of Midway was one of the most important wars in World War II because this was the Japanese attack to Pearl Harbor. These events were very important because this meant that Japan was trying to do anything to keep the victory away from the allies all in a very fast and surprised attack effort. Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war because it was! This war was one of the most important battles in WW2 because it was an attack towards the United States; this was because the United States closed doors on them in trade and because of this, Japan was insanely upset. We know how war ended; Japan was taken down and the United States gained Victory.

    WORK CITED:
    - Two reading packets given to us by Ms.Noce
    - (The Japanese Government’s “Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War”
    - Chapter One of the U.S Strategic Bombing Survey for the Pacific Theater


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  24. Miadys Florentino
    Ms.Noce
    Blog


    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    - Japanese accept that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner as opposed to later due to the fact that they felt as if they was to begin war now with the United States they would be various negotiations as well as risk which may come along from wanted to start war now.The Japanese also thought if their military was forceful they would be able to take on the U.S but if they postponed the event the United States would’ve had a greater chance towards defeating the Japanese and of course, they weren’t trying to take the chance and wanted to take the power to full advantage before the lack of supplies and maybe even get weak.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    - Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country’s chance in a long war against the United States since the U.S already fought in a previous war, they were ready to take on any possible attacks. The Japanese believed that they would have by and large conviction that they will win the war. They required to be uncovered of any possibly comes about and be prepared. Japan required to surety their wellbeing and secure their country from any possible attack. But, preparing for a long term war with the United States will mean the Japanese will need more money, more soldiers to fight as well as materials.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    - The actions which were taken by the Japanese government to prepare for a war in the Pacific, The Japanese government needed to make and reinforce a protective border for assurance against the United States and any other whom might be a threat towards them . There was likewise a ton of maritime arrangements talked about and meeting held between the war fleet staffs, the heads, and the executive so everybody might be ready for. Japan likewise anticipated getting any region that was rich in assets. In other words, Japan wanted to win this war between the Japanese and the United States.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    - War against the Soviet Union was very unlikely due to their weakness as well as to the severe losses towards Germany. Not only was the Soviet Union weak but they lacked sources such as tanks and planes in which they would need if they planned to attack. On chapter 1, page 5 clearly states "there is little likelihood that the Soviet Union, on it's own initiative, will attack us" .
    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    - The three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific also known as the basic plan. The first phase was the seizure of the southern areas which are rich in resources, the ambush on the United States armada in Hawaii, and the seizure of key territories and positions for the station of a border for the guard of the southern assets range and the Japanese territory. The region to be seized was that inside the line which joins the Kuriles, Marshalls, Bismarcks , Timor, Java , Sumatra , Malaya and Burma. The second phase was the consolidation and strengthening of the defensive perimeter. Lastly, the final phase was "the interception and destruction of any attacking strength which might threaten the defensive perimeter or the vital areas within the perimeter. Concurrently with intercept operations the activation of plans to destroy the United States will to fight" (Chapter 1). With these three phases, the Japanese believed they would successfull towards the war.

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  25. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    - Overall the Japanese strategy was to gain power as well as to expand their resources which meant they will have to seize land who had the rich resources which they lacked.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    - The Basic Plan was embraced on the grounds that the Japanese thought it might help them be effective. And yet, turned out to be a weak system. They thought little of the United States and wound up more terrible than in the recent past.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    - One objective that was not met all around the war was that the Japanese finished not succeed towards assessing their budgetary and military uses for the war and that they completely miscalculated the measure of money the United States may use for the war, as being what is indicated they weren't envisioning that the United States will use so much money towards the war. Then again you can moreover say the United States used more money towards weapon not at all like Japan. Crucial destinations that were met was truly the first time of the orchestrate that they made, they deduces how to make triumph truly basic.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    - The Supreme war chamber had the inspiration driving being supervisor directing and detailing of war procedures and was regulated by High Ranking officers. The Supreme War Council saw over the war techniques and kept Japan protected with their decision making. In any case the Imperial Headquarters had to a more stupendous degree a voice when it came to characterizing national approaches. Both were incorporated with war issues but then the primary difference was the Imperial Headquarters soon took all the energy and the Supreme War Council had alongside no and denounce was put for them for this heading of the war.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    - The Battle of Port Morseby and Midway were extremely important as well as the Battle of Midway being the turning point of the war because Midway is considered the turning point on the Pacific front because the Japanese navy were was severely damaged. Not only should Japan be embarrassed but they should’ve known the United States had stronger forces and were prepared for any attack which might occur.

    Sources :
    Chapter 1: Japanese Naval Planning
    Chapter 1: Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War

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  26. Mu Ying Yu
    IB World History
    Ms. Noce
    March 23, 2014
    Japan’s Strategy in 1941-1942

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    -- The Japanese believed that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later because during the time they had a strong navy and be able to fight against U.S. .They take this chance and the percentage of victory of a powerful navy is higher than a weak navy.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country’s chances in a long war against the United States?
    -- Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country’s chances in a long war against the United States because they were not sure about the success of the diplomatic negotiations. Before their decision unify, they had thought about the risk and difficulties of this plan. But of course they wanted to be success, so then they can defeat against the U.S.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    -- The actions that the Japanese government took to prepared for a war in the Pacific are planned the attack more earlier and increased their armies to eight times more bigger than the armies they had now. And not only their armies but also compare the techniques they had and to predicted the chances they can win.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    -- According to Japanese military planners, the war against the Soviet Union was not quite good because the Soviet Union just had a battle with Germany and it cause their combat power became weak. So, the Japanese think is a big problem to fight against the Soviet Union, which will be an easy job.
    5. What were the three phrases of Japan’s strategy in the Pacific?
    -- First phrase, invaded the southern Pacific and to take their resources to help them self to weaken the U.S.. Second phrase, increase their strength by expanding territorial. Third phrase, repeal anything the allies use to go against them.

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  27. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    -- The overall Japanese strategy was to carefully predict the advantages of each plans before they entered. And they taking territories with rich resources to benefit themselves.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    -- It was adopted because the Japanese thought it would help them victory but it ended up had great impact on them self, and probably can lead to failure of the war.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    -- The strategic goals were met are the strategy they use in the Pacific. Japanese take down the southern Pacific and use the rich resources to help strengthen their military power and go against the defensive perimeter. Before they took control of the Pacific, they bomb the pearl harbor but did not success because at the end the U.S. revenge and Japan lose.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    -- The purpose of The Supreme War Council was to establish the plans for war. But the purpose of The Imperial Headquarters was establish plans for their own country. Prime Minister created both The Supreme War Council and The Imperial Headquarters. The Supreme War Council was only for the Chief because they are carrying out war policies. The Imperial Headquarters was for both Chief and the Staff, they work together to carry out national policies.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Moresby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war - why would this stand true?
    -- The Battle of Port Moresby and Midway is important and its true that Midway as the turning point of the war because it help strengthen Japan to defeat the U.S. and the Japanese thought they would win. But the result came out, Japan lost against the United States.

    Resource:
    -- The Japanese Government’s “Estimate of the Situation Prior to Outbreak of War”
    -- Chapter One of the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey for the Pacific Theater

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  28. Junior Fanfan
    Ms. Noce
    IB History

    1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war sooner rather than later?
    Japan tried to make peace with te United States but that failed, and they knew war was coming so they just wanted to go in and just get into the war. But they knew they wasn't ready.
    2. Why were japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    The Japanese were scared to go to war with the United States because their army wasn't ready for example " United States had about 5,500 naval planes and Japan only had about 3,300 and they were outnumbered. They were outnumbered in every way possible because even on the ground the United States still had more soldiers than Japan that's why Japan wanted to rush into war.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the pacific?
    The Japanese wanted to capture port moresby so they can strengthen their defense when fighting in the pacific. They also wanted to capture midway so that when the United States attack they would have a better chance of winning the battle. They also had a big meeting with the navy staff, the chiefs, and the prime minister so everyone knew what the plan was.
    4. According to Japanese military planners how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    The Japanese felt like they wouldn't have to fight the Soviet Union in war because Germany was already at war with them and that caused them a lot of damage. Also the United States was asking the Soviet Union to allow them to build air crafts and submarines.
    5. What were the three phases if Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    The three phases of the plan was first, in the southern areas which had rich resources they would need to capture that. The attack in Pearl Harbor was also part of phase one. They captured 8 territories so that the defense for Japan would be strong. The second phases was to make Japan's defense better not so much on the inside but more around it so they wouldn't have any weak spots. Phase three was to destroy anything that could have harmed their defense.

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  29. 6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    The Japanese strategy was basically to gain land in the southern areas because they had. Rich resources. Also they wanted to take control of the pacific.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    The plan was adopted because Japan wanted to take over south east Asia. They also wanted to attack the United States first before they moved on with their plan because they didn't want the U.S to interfere when they tried to conquer south east Asia.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    The strategic goals that were met was the surprised bombing of Pearl Harbor it succeeded because it was a surprised. Japan had also lost the pacific because the United States wanted revenge and they did anything to get it.
    9. What was the purpose of the supreme war council? Compare and contrast the supreme war council to the imperial headquarters?
    The purpose of the war council was so that everyone like the prime minister, navy ministers, the chiefs of staff and the foreign ministers. The war council controls the army and tells them what to do. The imperial headquarters was trying to get the army and navy under one command.
    10. Why is the Battle of Port Morseby and Midway important? Some refer to Midway as the turning point of the war- why would this stand true?
    During the battle of port Morseby the Japanese didn't think that the United States Army was strong and they defeated them. In the battle of midway America destroyed their army and Japan had lost a lot of soldiers and equipment. They also had to leave the pacific islands because they kept being defeated and didn't have enough equipment and soldiers to keep fighting.

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  30. 1. Why did the Japanese believe that it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later?
    Japan anticipated the U.S. to, at some point soon in the war, initiate violent interactions with them due to their series of invasions, alliances and inhumane practices that went against the United States’ moral obligations and alliances. The government also knew that their military was at its strongest point in the war and this time ought to, for them, be taken advantage of to have greater chances against the States.
    2. Why were Japanese military planners pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the United States?
    They knew that in a prolonged war, the U.S.’s vast resources would outlast their own, as would the forces of their allies. They hoped to instigate a swift and devastating war to bring the United States to her knees.
    3. What actions did the Japanese government take to prepare for a war in the Pacific?
    In preparation for the war, many generals were assigned the task of strengthening the defenses on various islands predicted to be stages for battle. A subtle infiltration of minor islands to which they had lain claim prepared them for a future Pacific squabble.
    4. According to Japanese military planners, how likely was war against the Soviet Union?
    The Japanese believed it highly likely that the Soviet Union would attack them if they continued their presence in Manchuria as China was a neighbor of Russia’s. This anticipation led them to make several decisions and predictions which ultimately led to their full involvement in the war.
    5. What were the three phases of Japan's strategy in the Pacific?
    They first seized the places in SE Asia from which they would benefit greatly in terms of access to natural resources. Japan next planned to focus on solidifying the defenses around their claimed lands, creating a strongly defended perimeter. Lastly, they took offensive action to eliminate immediate threats on their perimeter and to degrade the United States’ motivation to put up a good fight.
    6. What was the overall Japanese strategy?
    Japan’s over-arching goal was of self-sufficiency and isolation as a respected power. They wished to gain the natural resources they could and eliminate threats upon their nation so as to continue as a powerful and independent nation separate from foreign trade and struggles.
    7. Why was it adopted?
    This goal went along with long-ingrained Japanese prejudices against foreigners and a long-standing tradition of centuries-long isolation. It was a goal that was appropriate for the society, traditions and attitudes of the Japanese people even if some of the methods of obtainment were not as much so or if the ideal was not completely feasible.
    8. Which strategic goals were met, and which were not?
    The first phase of the plan was successful but the second had to be modified in terms of the timeline and greater goals of obtainment were solidified. The strengthening of the defenses went fairly smoothly but America never truly lost to despair.
    9. What was the purpose of The Supreme War Council? Compare and contrast The Supreme War Council to The Imperial Headquarters.
    It was intended to lead the direction of the war and possess control of the nations’ actions during wartime. There were interesting politics between the different political sectors of the time and the S.W.C. was able to become the acting decisions front for the war. It was a position for negotiation and diplomacy for the Imperial Headquarters to the Cabinet.


    Works Cited
    "Estimate of the Situation in Early November 1941." Ibiblio.org. Web.
    "HyperWar: USSBS: Campaigns of the Pacific War." Ibiblio.org. Web

    Jack Roberts

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  31. Naomie Bourdeau 3/23/2014

    1)The reason why the Japanese thought it was better to go to war with the United States sooner rather than later was because they believed that they had a good chance of victory. Also there was a risk in depending on the negotiations, So they went to war early.
    2) The reason why the Japanese military planners were pessimistic about their country's chances in a long war against the united states was because they might have "shortage of war materials" and that would mess up everything. Also the un sureness of Japans courage and strength would have an effect on there navy's strength.
    3) The actions that the Japanese government took to prepare for war in the pacific,was that he was trying to break the stalemate within that present crisis, so that they would be prepared for the failure of the diplomatic negotiations.
    4) I believe that the war against the soviet union was likely to happen because ,there was always that huge possibility that the U.S would force the soviet union to allow them to build bases in their eastern territory. The soviet Union was not I'm a great position to reject the US because they suffered really bad loss against Germanys army.

    5. The three phases of japans strategy in the pacific were 1) Take over the southern areas because they had good resources, and attack the fleet of the united states in Hawaii. 2.) Making the defensive perimeter strong and compacted as a whole. 3.) Getting rid of any threat towards the defensive perimeter, and making sure its safe. So that was the three phases of Japan’s strategy.
    6. So the overall strategy for Japan was 1.) To capture Port Moresby to make the defenses of Bismarcks and New Guinea strong. 2.) To capture Midway so that the Central Pacific defense was strong. Also enage themselves with u.s. fleet in Hawaii. 3) To invade the western Aleutians so that the defenses of that Northeam area would reinforce together. 4) Seize the New Caledonia, Samoa, and Fiji so that the communications between Australia and the u.s. would be cut.

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  32. 7. The reasons why these overall goals were adopted were because the first phase of Japans strategy in the pacific went well, but however the second phase did not go well. In fact, it was actually “delayed” and after that japan had to make further expansions and now goals in order for them to be self-sufficient. They wanted to expand their control in the pacific.
    8. The strategic goals that were met, was the first phase of japans strategy in the pacific. Where they took over the southern Areas for their resources and attack on the United States fleet in Hawaii. The tragic goals that were not met, were the second phase of Japanese strategy in the pacific, because the plan was delayed.
    9. The purpose of the supreme war council was to make war policies. The way I can compare the supreme was council with the Imperial Headquarters is that, they both had a very important job to complete. They both had to be in a agreement between the two, other wise nothing could get done. They way I can contrast is that the Imperial Headquarters was only created for supreme military command. So they had was only made to facilitate policies of the war and to come into possession of the national unity.
    10. The battle of Port Morseby and Midway was important because if they did act conipete it; the nation’s strength would be dissipated. If they were getting weaker than they wouldn’t be no match to the U.S. The battle of Midway would be the turning point of the war because now at that point Japan was forced to return to their original plan. That reduced Japans strength, and they got behind on their training for their air forces. So they were just falling a part, they couldn’t be close to on the verge of the United States Level. So that’s why I it was the turning point of the war.

    Work citied: Packets from class.

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  33. " The Japanese Governments" Estimate of the situation Prior to Outbreak of War"
    " Chapter One of the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey for the Pacific Theater"

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