World War II Pacific Theater

Major battles and events of the Pacific War 1941-1945

December 7, 1941 CEbattle

Japanese forces launch a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, bringing America into World War II.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

February 15, 1942 CEbattle

British forces surrender Singapore to Japan in what Churchill called 'the worst disaster in British military history.'

Singapore

June 4, 1942 CEbattle

U.S. Navy decisively defeats the Japanese fleet, sinking four aircraft carriers and turning the tide of the Pacific War.

Midway Atoll

August 7, 1942 CEbattle

First major Allied offensive against Japan, a brutal six-month campaign for control of the strategic island.

Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

February 19, 1945 CEbattle

U.S. Marines capture the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima after fierce fighting, immortalized by the flag-raising photograph.

Iwo Jima, Japan

August 6, 1945 CEbattle

The United States drops the first atomic bomb used in warfare on the city of Hiroshima.

Hiroshima, Japan

August 9, 1945 CEbattle

The second atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender days later.

Nagasaki, Japan

September 2, 1945 CEpolitical

Japan formally surrenders aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II.

Tokyo Bay, Japan