The “island-hopping” strategy of the Allies in the Pacific posed a series of challenges that were unique to this theater of war. The Battle for Iwo Jima has come to symbolize the ferocity of the island campaign fought against Imperial Japanese forces. Some historians have questioned the decision by American planners to invade Iwo Jima rather than simply bypass it. After completing this week’s reading assignments, please address the following: • What was the rationale for invading the island? • Why was Japanese resistance so effective? • Do you agree with Grimsley’s opinion regarding the invasion? Why or why not? • How did the battle for Iwo Jima influence American leadership in their decision to utilize atomic weapons near the end of the war?
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