"The general plan of campaign in the Pacific is to advance along two main lines: one through the Central Pacific via the Gilbert, Marshall, and Caroline Islands; the other through the Southwest Pacific via New Guinea to the Philippines. The execution of this strategy will involve bypassing major Japanese strongholds, isolating them from their supply lines, and establishing air and naval bases to support subsequent advances toward the Japanese homeland."
—Joint Chiefs of Staff, report on Pacific strategy, 1943
Based on the excerpt and the accompanying map, which of the following best explains the primary strategic purpose of the military campaign described?
- ATo apply containment doctrine principles to limit the expansion of Soviet territory in East Asia.
- BTo preserve the pre-war policy of isolationism by avoiding long-term U.S. military commitments in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- To minimize Allied casualties and accelerate the acquisition of bases for a direct assault on the Japanese mainland.Answer
- DTo establish a joint pan-American military alliance under the Monroe Doctrine to protect Western Hemisphere borders.
Answer
To minimize Allied casualties and accelerate the acquisition of bases for a direct assault on the Japanese mainland.
The correct option is correct because the 'island-hopping' (or leapfrogging) strategy in the Pacific aimed to bypass heavily fortified Japanese islands, cutting them off from supply lines while establishing Allied air and naval bases on less-fortified islands. This minimized casualties and allowed forces to move progressively closer to the Japanese home islands for a potential invasion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Pacific Theater military strategy and the island-hopping campaign during World War II.