Justin Bark, Seira Terada, Hannah Lee, Alyssa Mccarville, Ashwin Srinivasan
Time Period:
World War II, also known as the second world war, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was the most widespread and deadliest war in history involving more than 30 different countries and resulting in more than 50 military and civilian deaths. Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939 drove Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany, and World War II begun. Hitler was one of the most powerful and infamous dictators of the 20th century. He rose to power after the First World War and took control of the German government. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese hot air balloon attack was ineffective as weapons causing only 6 deaths and a small amount of damage. The invasion of the Aleutian Islands resulted in a failure as well as the Japanese escaping from the harsh mountainous weather.
Time Period:
World War II, also known as the second world war, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was the most widespread and deadliest war in history involving more than 30 different countries and resulting in more than 50 military and civilian deaths. Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939 drove Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany, and World War II begun. Hitler was one of the most powerful and infamous dictators of the 20th century. He rose to power after the First World War and took control of the German government. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese hot air balloon attack was ineffective as weapons causing only 6 deaths and a small amount of damage. The invasion of the Aleutian Islands resulted in a failure as well as the Japanese escaping from the harsh mountainous weather.
Narrative:
During World War II, one of the most well known Japanese attack on the United States was the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. However, there were also other lesser known attacks that occurred. One was the Japanese hot air balloon incident. In 1944, the Japanese created a project called "Fugo" which had a goal of sending forth bombs to the fast forests of the United States. The Japanese military created what many experts consider the first intercontinental weapon system: explosive devices attached to paper balloons that were buoyed across the ocean by a jet stream. The main purpose of this plan was to dispatch bombs to the mainland of America without it being detected. Japan hoped that the attack would disrupt war efforts and dampen the U.S. morale. The balloons were composed of "washi", a paper derived from mulberry bushes that was tough and impermeable. The bombs which were attached to the balloon were made out of sensors, powder-packed tubes, and many triggering devices. This particular attack did not cause any casualties, except for the death of five children and a pregnant woman. In addition, another balloon hit the Power Lines in Washington State, cutting off electricity. To keep the Japanese from success, the U.S. government asked American news stations to refrain from reporting on the "jellyfish bombs" as they were being called. Another was the invasion of the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Six months after the attack of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese targeted the Aleutian islands. These were volcanic islands extending miles west of the Alaskan Peninsula. On June 3rd and 4th, the Japanese conducted a airstrikes on Dutch Harbor. Then on June 6th, the Japanese made a landfall at Kiska and Attu Islands. The Japanese troops had created military bases on both islands, which had belonged to the United States. However, Attu Island was known to have little military or strategic value because of their mountainous and harsh weather. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid had set up a blockade of Attu and Kiska that slowly prevented the spread of supplies to the Japanese military. Many Japanese soldiers outnumbered and withdrew after several hours of fighting. The troops reportedly feared the arrival of the United States bombers in addition to funning low on fuel and ammunition.
During World War II, one of the most well known Japanese attack on the United States was the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. However, there were also other lesser known attacks that occurred. One was the Japanese hot air balloon incident. In 1944, the Japanese created a project called "Fugo" which had a goal of sending forth bombs to the fast forests of the United States. The Japanese military created what many experts consider the first intercontinental weapon system: explosive devices attached to paper balloons that were buoyed across the ocean by a jet stream. The main purpose of this plan was to dispatch bombs to the mainland of America without it being detected. Japan hoped that the attack would disrupt war efforts and dampen the U.S. morale. The balloons were composed of "washi", a paper derived from mulberry bushes that was tough and impermeable. The bombs which were attached to the balloon were made out of sensors, powder-packed tubes, and many triggering devices. This particular attack did not cause any casualties, except for the death of five children and a pregnant woman. In addition, another balloon hit the Power Lines in Washington State, cutting off electricity. To keep the Japanese from success, the U.S. government asked American news stations to refrain from reporting on the "jellyfish bombs" as they were being called. Another was the invasion of the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Six months after the attack of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese targeted the Aleutian islands. These were volcanic islands extending miles west of the Alaskan Peninsula. On June 3rd and 4th, the Japanese conducted a airstrikes on Dutch Harbor. Then on June 6th, the Japanese made a landfall at Kiska and Attu Islands. The Japanese troops had created military bases on both islands, which had belonged to the United States. However, Attu Island was known to have little military or strategic value because of their mountainous and harsh weather. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid had set up a blockade of Attu and Kiska that slowly prevented the spread of supplies to the Japanese military. Many Japanese soldiers outnumbered and withdrew after several hours of fighting. The troops reportedly feared the arrival of the United States bombers in addition to funning low on fuel and ammunition.
Essential Historical Questions:
1. If so much of the Americas got affected by the Japanese balloon raid, including Canada, why do you think that this event of terrorism was not taught in American history?
During this time, the United States had worked to ensure that this incident was covered up. This was done in order to prevent panic and fear within the country and to also prevent Japan from realizing that their attack had worked in hopes of discouraging them from attempting the raid again. This coverup likely contributed to the attack's anonymity today. Also, though there were thousands of balloons released, only about 300 made it to the United States and only one caused damage. The artifact photographs shows Americans investigating bombs that had not exploded, so the lack of damage it caused also contributed to why it isn't very well known.
2. Why do you think that the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian islands isn't well known, despite there not being a coverup for it?
The invasion took place a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, so it may have been overshadowed by that instead. It was also overlooked because of the other more "exciting" battles happening in the South Pacific during that same time period. These more exciting battles include other conflicts between the United States and Japan, such as the Battle of Okinawa and the Battle of Iwo Jima.
3. Why did the Japanese decide to launch the balloon attacks when it seemed like such an implausible plan?
The reasoning behind the balloons may be easier to understand if one were to check the date that they occurred. The documents and artifacts showed that the balloons from Japan were sent to the United States from November 1944 to 1945. This was very close to the end of the war, which indicates that Japanese desperation was likely increasing as they realized that their loss was becoming more imminent. This desperation probably caused the Japanese to use any method possible to somehow wear the Americans down, even if it meant resorting to such a blatant act of terrorism.
4. Do you believe that if we had lost the Battle of Attu, which was the only battle ever fought on American soil during World War II, that the Japanese could have possibly invaded more of the United States?
If America had lost the Battle of Attu, the Japanese could have possibly taken over all of Alaska. This would have closed the distance between the United States and the Japanese, which would have allowed them to attack more frequently and with more precision. This would also have caused unrest within the United States as they would have to worry more about the increased possibility of Japanese attacks. According to the documents, "the Japanese would never again secure a toehold on American soil", so this had been the best opportunity for them to have put pressure on the United States. However, judging by the harsh conditions shown in the artifact pictures, it would have been difficult for the Japanese to have won.
5. Do you think that the event should be taught in history classes?
These events did have some historical significance. The documents mentioned how the balloon attack was the only attack on the continental United States and how the invasion of the Aleutian islands was the only battle fought on U. S. soil during World War II. However, no, we did not think that these events are necessary to the US history curriculum. This is because we believe that there are other events that were more significant during this time period and had a greater effect on the entirety of World War II. These Japanese attacks are not necessary to convey the war, so they should not be necessary in a history class as well.
1. If so much of the Americas got affected by the Japanese balloon raid, including Canada, why do you think that this event of terrorism was not taught in American history?
During this time, the United States had worked to ensure that this incident was covered up. This was done in order to prevent panic and fear within the country and to also prevent Japan from realizing that their attack had worked in hopes of discouraging them from attempting the raid again. This coverup likely contributed to the attack's anonymity today. Also, though there were thousands of balloons released, only about 300 made it to the United States and only one caused damage. The artifact photographs shows Americans investigating bombs that had not exploded, so the lack of damage it caused also contributed to why it isn't very well known.
2. Why do you think that the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian islands isn't well known, despite there not being a coverup for it?
The invasion took place a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, so it may have been overshadowed by that instead. It was also overlooked because of the other more "exciting" battles happening in the South Pacific during that same time period. These more exciting battles include other conflicts between the United States and Japan, such as the Battle of Okinawa and the Battle of Iwo Jima.
3. Why did the Japanese decide to launch the balloon attacks when it seemed like such an implausible plan?
The reasoning behind the balloons may be easier to understand if one were to check the date that they occurred. The documents and artifacts showed that the balloons from Japan were sent to the United States from November 1944 to 1945. This was very close to the end of the war, which indicates that Japanese desperation was likely increasing as they realized that their loss was becoming more imminent. This desperation probably caused the Japanese to use any method possible to somehow wear the Americans down, even if it meant resorting to such a blatant act of terrorism.
4. Do you believe that if we had lost the Battle of Attu, which was the only battle ever fought on American soil during World War II, that the Japanese could have possibly invaded more of the United States?
If America had lost the Battle of Attu, the Japanese could have possibly taken over all of Alaska. This would have closed the distance between the United States and the Japanese, which would have allowed them to attack more frequently and with more precision. This would also have caused unrest within the United States as they would have to worry more about the increased possibility of Japanese attacks. According to the documents, "the Japanese would never again secure a toehold on American soil", so this had been the best opportunity for them to have put pressure on the United States. However, judging by the harsh conditions shown in the artifact pictures, it would have been difficult for the Japanese to have won.
5. Do you think that the event should be taught in history classes?
These events did have some historical significance. The documents mentioned how the balloon attack was the only attack on the continental United States and how the invasion of the Aleutian islands was the only battle fought on U. S. soil during World War II. However, no, we did not think that these events are necessary to the US history curriculum. This is because we believe that there are other events that were more significant during this time period and had a greater effect on the entirety of World War II. These Japanese attacks are not necessary to convey the war, so they should not be necessary in a history class as well.
Japanese Balloon Attack Heuristics:
Artifacts:
Artifacts:
U.S. officials examine one of the Japanese balloons that was found on U.S soil.
Surface wind was the greatest challenge for the Japanese during the filling and releasing of the balloons.
Americans inflate the balloon to inspect how the balloon works.
General view of the launching pads for the hot air balloons
Battle of the Aleutian Islands Heuristics:
Artifacts:
Artifacts:
United States soldiers carry a stretcher through the snow and harsh weather.
United States soldier transport supplies on Attu through harsh weather.
Documents: Japanese Balloon Attack
Link: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/25/national/history/winds-war-japans-balloon-bombs-took-pacific-battle-american-soil/#.WkubH7dKvcd
-Talks about the significance of the balloon raid and the reaction from the U.S.
Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/01/20/375820191/beware-of-japanese-balloon-bombs
-Talks mostly about the reaction to the balloon raid
Documents: Aleutian Island Attack
Link: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-aleutian-islands
-Talks about the two main operations during the Battle of the Aleutian Islands
Link: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/25/national/history/winds-war-japans-balloon-bombs-took-pacific-battle-american-soil/#.WkubH7dKvcd
-Talks about the significance of the balloon raid and the reaction from the U.S.
Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/01/20/375820191/beware-of-japanese-balloon-bombs
-Talks mostly about the reaction to the balloon raid
Documents: Aleutian Island Attack
Link: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-aleutian-islands
-Talks about the two main operations during the Battle of the Aleutian Islands
Works Cited:
“Winds of War: Japan's Balloon Bombs Took the Pacific Battle to American Soil.” The Japan Times,
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/25/national/history/winds-war-japans-balloon-bombs-took-pacific-battle-american-soil/#.WkubH7dKvcd.
Weeks, Linton. “Beware Of Japanese Balloon Bombs.” NPR, NPR, 20 Jan. 2015, www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/01/20/375820191/beware-of-japanese-balloon-bombs.
History.com Staff. “Battle of the Aleutian Islands.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-aleutian-islands.
Andrews, Evan. “Battle for the Aleutians: WWII's Forgotten Alaskan Campaign.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 June 2017, www.history.com/news/battle-for-the-aleutians-wwiis-forgotten-alaskan-campaign.
History.com Staff. “Pearl Harbor.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor.
“Japan's Secret WWII Weapon: Balloon Bombs.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 27 May 2013, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/05/130527-map-video-balloon-bomb-wwii-japanese-air-current-jet-stream/.
“Winds of War: Japan's Balloon Bombs Took the Pacific Battle to American Soil.” The Japan Times,
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/25/national/history/winds-war-japans-balloon-bombs-took-pacific-battle-american-soil/#.WkubH7dKvcd.
Weeks, Linton. “Beware Of Japanese Balloon Bombs.” NPR, NPR, 20 Jan. 2015, www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/01/20/375820191/beware-of-japanese-balloon-bombs.
History.com Staff. “Battle of the Aleutian Islands.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-aleutian-islands.
Andrews, Evan. “Battle for the Aleutians: WWII's Forgotten Alaskan Campaign.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 June 2017, www.history.com/news/battle-for-the-aleutians-wwiis-forgotten-alaskan-campaign.
History.com Staff. “Pearl Harbor.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor.
“Japan's Secret WWII Weapon: Balloon Bombs.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 27 May 2013, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/05/130527-map-video-balloon-bomb-wwii-japanese-air-current-jet-stream/.