Island Hopping-The War in the Pacific: Using Documentary Film Evidence

The War in the Pacific Accelerates - Using Documentary Film Evidence

Today you will examine moments in the Pacific War to understand both the strategy involved, and the impact of these moments on the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought in them.  

First, read an overview of the war in the Pacific.

Next, view the following film clips from the website of HBO’s The Pacific and take notes on the sheet provided.  Pay Particular attention to how Americans (soldiers and military leaders) were being tested in these moments.  You may find it helpful to refer to this timeline as you go.  

Cape Gloucester  2:29

Peleilu Airfield  2:00

We are All Afraid 3:14

An Unnecessary Sacrifice  2:52

Iwo Jima  2:34

Kuribayashi the Toughest Foe  1:56

We Couldn’t Bury them Fast Enough  2:02

Burn and Blockade: Cities in Ash  2:55

Okinawa  2:00

Caught in the Crossfire: The Okinawans  1:46

Fugitives from the law of averages  2:53