US History Question

Question

How did The Bataan Death March​ change the world?

Answer 1

This horrendous act of cruelty to prisoners of war changed the worlds’ view of the Asiatic states in numerous ways. Most importantly it followed one of the most crucial events that shoved the US into the Second World War. First, let’s ask a few questions that will help set the scene. What led to the attack on Pearl Harbor and why were there American troops in the Philippians?

In 1937 Japan had invaded China, seeking resources to feed its growing military machine. To help the Chinese fight off this invasion FDR passed the Lend Lease Pact in January of 1940. In response, the Japanese signed a Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy. Then in 1941, Japan signed a Neutrality Pact with the Soviet Union. The US needed to tread softly, knowing that if they punished Japan too severely, they might turn on the US, who already supplied the Allied Forces in the European war against Germany.

In reaction to these agreements by the Japanese the US enacted a full embargo on exports to Japan, froze Japanese accounts in US banks, and stopped supplies into China. Still, this did not hinder the Japanese. The Japanese turned their search for supplies south to the Philippians. They also attacked the Hawaiian Islands (US) in an attempt to ensure no fleets would come to the Filipinos’ aid. The attack on Pearl Harbor was December 7, 1941 and the following spring the Japanese conducted the Bataan Death March.

Both the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the treatment of Filipino and American soldiers in the Philippians shocked and sickened those in the West. This was an exceptional example of the differences in cultures. While the West had an understanding of civility for prisoners of war the Japanese felt that retreat was shameful and it was better to kill oneself then be taken hostage. This demonstration of the kamikaze pilots and the torturous treatment by the Japanese was a loud proclamation that they were not afraid to die in order to win the battle. It can also be interpreted that this cultural warfare tactic was a contributing factor for Truman dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and then three days later another atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.