Did Japan Attack the Continental US - Fact or Fantasy?
Mark Felton Productions・2 minutes read
Japanese submarines and Commander Nishino carried out attacks on the US mainland, causing fear and panic amidst heightened tensions post-Pearl Harbor. Despite US countermeasures, Japanese balloon bombs were launched towards North America, resulting in minimal casualties, with the only known fatalities in Oregon.
Insights
- Commander Nishino's personal revenge motive for attacking the US mainland stemmed from a humiliating incident at Elwood Refinery, marking the first successful attack on the US mainland since 1812 and sparking fear and panic along the American West Coast.
- Japan developed innovative weapons during World War II, such as launching balloons equipped with bombs towards North America, controlled by an intricate system, with the US developing countermeasures like Operation Firefly to intercept these balloons, despite only a small percentage reaching North America and causing limited fatalities.
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Recent questions
What was the significance of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal event that led to the United States' entry into World War II. It involved a surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy on the US naval base in Hawaii, resulting in significant damage to the American fleet and infrastructure. This attack directly prompted the US to declare war on Japan the following day, marking the beginning of the country's involvement in the global conflict.
Why did Commander Nishino attack the US mainland?
Commander Nishino's attack on the US mainland, specifically targeting the Elwood Refinery near Santa Barbara, stemmed from a personal revenge motive. Nishino had experienced a humiliating incident at the refinery, which fueled his desire for retaliation. Additionally, Japan's conquests in early 1942 heightened tensions between the two nations, leading Nishino to carry out the attack as a strategic move to undermine American morale and instill fear along the West Coast.
How did the US respond to the Japanese attacks on the West Coast?
Following the Japanese attacks on the West Coast, particularly the Elwood Refinery and Fort Stevens incidents, the US military responded by placing forces on high alert for potential Japanese air raids. The Army claimed Japanese bombers attacked Los Angeles, leading to fears of invasion and heightened security measures. Despite the initial panic, detailed searches found no Japanese Naval presence in West Coast waters, and the LA air raid was eventually declared a false alarm by the Secretary of the Navy.
What were the Japanese balloon bombs during World War II?
The Japanese balloon bombs were a unique weapon developed during World War II, involving launching balloons equipped with bombs towards North America. These balloons were controlled by an intricate system of aneroid barometers and batteries to maintain altitude and release the bombs. Once released, the balloons rode wind currents in the jet stream at high altitudes, with ballast bags of sand automatically released to maintain altitude. The US developed countermeasures to shoot down these balloons, fearing potential chemical or biological weapons being launched.
How successful were the Japanese balloon bombs in reaching North America?
Despite the efforts of the US to counter the Japanese balloon bombs through Operation Firefly, only a small percentage of the 9,300 balloons launched from Japan reached North America. The balloons were uncontrollable once released and relied on wind currents to reach their destination. The only known fatalities from these balloon bombs occurred in Oregon when an unexploded bomb was accidentally triggered by civilians, highlighting the limited success of this unconventional wartime tactic.
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