Angie&Sophia WWII Project

The Battle of Iwo JimaBy Angie Saber and Sophia Garofoli

Iwo Jima is located 750 miles from Tokyo

It was part of Japan's home soil.

America’s Reasoning

Simpler way to bomb Japan

Ideal sanctuary for crippled bombers returning from Japan

A fighter-escort station

Planning and Preparation

The Japanese knew from the start that they wouldn't win the battle but didn't want to give in and wanted the US to reconsider the invasion.

Japanese were very determined people even if it meant fighting until the end.

Invasion

Took Americans by surprise when they saw how prepared the Japanese were.

Built tunnels and firing positions within Mount Suribachi.

America’s Plan

By capturing Iwo Jima, America succeeded in their three-point plan for winning the war in the Far East.

Raising the flag

A historic photograph depicting American

victory at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, by

Joe Rosenthal.

WeaponsWeapons used against Japan included flamethrowers and the “Zippo”.

The flamethrower had 3 tanks that a Marine carried on his back that stored the fuel with a hose that ran from the tanks to a gun.

Aftermath

Japan = 17,845–18,375 killed/missing

United States = 6,822 killed/missing

Strategic ImportanceA landing and refueling site for Americans on missions to and from Japan

Americans learned valuable lessons from Iwo Jima that helped serve as a guideline for the Battle Of Okinawa.

First time Japan fought for protection of its own land

Impact on WWII

By capturing Iwo Jima, The Allied forces were able to create an emergency air strip for crippled B-29's.

They could also conduct more air attacks helping them win WWII.

Though America won the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Japanese proved that their defensive strategies were much stronger.

Bibliography

Iwo Jima. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://www.iwojima.com/>.

"The Battle of Iwo Jima." History Learning Site. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_iwo_jima.htm>.

"Raising the Flag Over Iwo Jima, 1945." EyeWitness to History - History through the Eyes of Those Who Lived It. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/iwoflag.htm>.