The Pacific War
HISTORY 365. The Pacific War: Japan and the
Second World War in Asia
Spring 1998
- Section 01:
TR, 11-12:15, The Atrium Auditorium (Humanities Multimedia Classroom).
- Section 60:
M, 7-9:40, The Atrium Auditorium (Humanities Multimedia Classroom).
- Office Hours: Atrium 206. Daily after and by appointment.
- My phone is (973) 720-2243.
- The History Department number is 720-2319.
- My email address:
cooktf@frontier.wpunj.edu
- History 365 Discussion List:
H365-160@frontier.wpunj.edu
Purpose and Objectives of the Course: This course treats the series
of conflicts between Japan and its neighbors from 1931-1945 that are often
loosely grouped by Japanese nationalists under the rubric of "The
Greater East Asia War". During these years, Japan expanded its power
across the continent of Asia, Southeast Asia, and to island outposts throughout
the Pacific before the naval, military, and air forces of the United Nations
drove back Japanese military forces until the Emperor's Home Islands were
brought under deadly attack, culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki.
The "15-Year War," as "progressive" historians in
Japan have labeled it, ended in Japan's utter and complete military defeat,
the occupation of the country, and the trial of key leaders as war criminals.
The social, political, and economic experiences of the Japanese people
during the terrible years of total war are the focus of this course. The
peoples victimized by Japan's aggression are key witnesses to the story.
How did this happen and how was Japanese society affected by this titanic
struggle?
For more information on the webpage please contact:
Webmaster.
For more information on History 365 please contact:
Dr. Cook