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.