The World at War - Part V - Pacific War (Myth20c - Ep298)

July 26

1h 29m

Episode Description

As the European powers emerged from World War I and the Great Depression, Japan faced its own challenges on the Pacific Rim. Aiming to build a power base independent of the imperial powers of Britain, France, Russia and the United States encroaching on China and the surrounding nations over the past century, Japan had embarked on an industrial and military modernization program that resulted in a series of victories in Korea and modern day northern China. Noticing the economic success and rapid military conquests of Nazi Germany in 1940, Tokyo also signed the Tripartite Pact with Berlin and Rome, and with permission from German-controlled Vichy France, occupied French Indochina. Observing Japan's territory expanding dangerously close to its concessions in the Philippines, the United States embargoed all oil shipments to Japan in July 1941, effectively crippling Tokyo's supply, particularly for its navy. Feeling cornered, Japan embarked on its 'Southern Expansion' strategy, aimed at seizing the oil fields in the Dutch East Indies and simultaneously striking the British and American fleets in Singapore and Pearl Harbor. Although Japan made rapid progress in early 1942, by missing the US aircraft carrier fleet and underestimating the determination of the Americans, in the words of Admiral Yamamoto, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." Over the next two and half years, as the US entered the war with full force, each of the members of Tripartite Pact met with their ultimate demise.

The World at War Episodes covered in this episode:

6 - "Banzai!: Japan (1931-1942)"

7 - "On Our Way: U.S.A. (1939-1942)"

14 - "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: Burma (1942-1944)"

-- Brought to you by --

Very special guest Thomas777

- Books: https://www.imperiumpress.org/product-page/steelstorm, https://imperiumpress.org/shop/steelstorm-ii/

- Thomas’ Podcast - https://realthomas777.substack.com/s/mindphaser-official-podcast-of-the

- Steelstorm - https://realthomas777.substack.com/s/steelstorm

- Thomas TV - https://www.youtube.com/@7homas7V

- Telegram - https://t.me/s/WOODPILEDISPATCH

- Substack - https://realthomas777.substack.com/