Episode 475 – Southward, Ho! Part 4

This week: Japan’s empire in Micronesia comes apart under the face of both the miscalculations of military leadership and the contradictions that had haunted it from the jump.

Sources

Peattie, Mark R. Nan’yo: The Rise and Fall of the Japanese in Micronesia, 1885-1945.

Hezel, Francis X. Strangers in their Own Land: A Century of Colonial Rule in the Caroline and Marshall Islands.

Poyer, Lin. The Typhoon of War: Micronesian Experiences of the Pacific War

Poyer, Lin. “Chuukese Experiences in the Pacific War.” The Journal of Pacific History 43, No 2 (Sept, 2008)

Images

The Japanese transport ship Aikoku Maru exploding after a torpedo hit. Allied submarines essentially ended the military utility of Micronesia when the IJN proved unable to stop them.
An American marine on Saipan talking a Chamorro family into coming out of cave shelters in the wake of battle.
American officer consulting with a native of Woleai after Japan’s surrender.
Japanese ships burning in the harbor of “fortress” Truk/Chuuk.