War in the Pacific: World War II in the Pacific Theater
In this 5-session class, we'll look at World War II in the Pacific and explain how it started, how the war in that theater played out, and the consequences.
Joe Willmore
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(252)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. I'll ask students in between classes to locate islands or geographic areas on maps prior to our discussion in the next session. I will also assign an individual who served in the war to student for them to research and then report back on the last day of class.Assessment
Q&A, in-class knowledge checks.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This course will examine WW II in the Pacific Theater. We'll look at what led to the fighting, how the war in the Pacific played out, critical battles or campaigns, key leaders, a review of Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb, and the implications for the future based on the war's end.
Session I: Prelude to War--Japanese and US differences, Japan's war with the USSR, Japan's invasion of China and the Axis Alliance
Session II: Japan on the Offensive--Singapore, Pearl Harbor, Wake Island, the Philippines. Key figures and why Japan was so successful, Japan's treatment of POWs.
Session III: Allies Battle Back--the Doolittle Raid, New Guinea, Coral Sea, Guadalcanal, the Aleutians, and Midway.
Session IV: Allies on the Offensive--the Island Hopping campaign, changes in Japanese tactics, key campaigns (Kohima, Impal, Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Peleilu, the Philippines, Guam, Saipan). Why the Allies were so successful.
Session V: The End and Aftermath--Okinawa, US bombing campaign, Russia's involvement in the war, the decision to use the atomic bomb, Japan's surrender, war crimes prosecutions, and the rebuilding of Japan.
My instructional style is very visual. We'll be looking at pictures and maps for all of these events. I involve learners continually. I'll ask students questions ("Janelle--what should MacArthur have done differently in this situation? Todd--make the case for not using the atomic bomb, what would it be?"). I will assign every person in the class an identity of a real individual who participated in the war in the Pacific and as we go through each stage they'll find out what happened to their identify and if this person lived or not. Interaction with students will be continual.Learning Goals
1. What were the events that precipitated the war in the Pacific?
2. Who were the key figures in the war in the Pacific?
3. What were the key battles or campaigns in the Pacific?
4. What were the implications for the aftermath of the war?
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is a class about a violent and bloody period in world history. I won't dwell on war crimes but there will be photos of dead bodies or violence. This may be triggering for some individuals.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
There are multiple books and resources about World War II in the Pacific. I want to highlight a select few that are historically very accurate and provide good detail: "The Pacific" (by HBO), "Samurai" by Saburo Sakai and Martin Caidin, "Danger's Hour: The Story of the USS Bunker Hill and the Kamikaze Pilot Who Crippled Her" by Maxwell Taylor Kennedy, "Letters From Iwo Jima" (movie), any of the Ian Toll trilogy about the war in the Pacific, or "Prisoners of the Japanese" by Gavin Daws are all excellent books or movies that are either outstanding histories or fine fiction that accurately depicts events of the time.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
252reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've taught a range of world history topics to middle school and high school students. I have experience covering sensitive or triggering topics with students.Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 59 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-12 learners per class
