The Japanese occupation of Guam covers the period in Guam history of 1941-1944 , when during the Second World War the troops of the Japanese Empire seized the territory of Guam [1] [2] . During these years, Guam was renamed Omiya Jima, which meant the Island of the Great Sanctuary [3] .
| Japanese occupation of Guam | |
|---|---|
 | |
| date | December 11, 1941 - August 10, 1944 |
| A place | Guam |
| Members | Japan empire |
Content
History
Conquest
December 8, 1941 , on the first day of the war with the United States, Japanese aircraft began to bomb Guam. On December 10, 1941, Japanese troops led by Horia Tomitaro [4] landed on the island and on the same day the governor of the island, George Macmillpan, capitulated along with a garrison of approximately 330 people [5] . The American side lost about 20 soldiers, more than 40 were injured, and 400 were captured by the Japanese. In the Japanese army, 1 soldier died and 6 were injured.
Years of Japanese occupation
On December 11, 1941, Japanese domination on the island began. The Japanese military, who controlled the Guam lands for the first four months after the occupation, were housed in Hagatni schools and government buildings. The Japanese yen was declared the main currency on the island. Chamorro had to adapt to Japanese customs. In March 1942, control of the island passed into the hands of the Japanese imperial fleet , after which a little freedom was given to the population. They were allowed to stay on their farms and trade. Classes at schools were resumed. Taught the Japanese language and customs. Learning English was prohibited. For 31 months, the island remained under Japanese occupation.
Island Liberation
At the beginning of 1944, the martial law of Japan worsened. Due to the threat of an American invasion, Japanese troops returned to the island. Schools were again closed, the entire population over 12 years of age worked without rest and were subjected to ill-treatment.
July 21, American troops landed on both sides of the island of Orot. The Japanese fiercely resisted. On July 28, Japanese commander Takeshi Takashima died and was replaced by Hideyoshi Obata . By July 30, the Orote airfield and Apra harbor were captured. In early August, the Japanese depleted all food supplies and ammunition. The Japanese refused to surrender and almost all died. On August 4, US forces managed to break through the line of Japanese fortifications in central Guam. On August 10, 1944, American troops defeated the last Japanese troops on Guam, thereby ending the occupation [6] .
Freedom Day
Every year on the anniversary of the American landing on July 21, the Guam population celebrates Freedom Day [7] .
See also
- Marian-Palau operation
- Guam operation (1941)
- Guam operation (1944)
- Guam story
Notes
- ↑ History of the Post and Postage Stamps of Guam - Abstract . cinref.ru. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ Administrator. The History of Guam, A Brief Review . php.guampdn.com. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ History of Guam (Russian) , MirTesen - Recommended Social Network (August 23, 2014). Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ 1. Capture of about. Guam. Japan in the war of 1941-1945 [with illustrations ] . history.wikireading.ru. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ Guam Recorder (1972, April - September ) . www.guampedia.com. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ GUAM: Operations of the 77th Division . history.army.mil. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.
- ↑ July 21 - Liberty Day of Guam Island (USA) - Green Suitcase . greenbag.ru. Date of treatment March 6, 2018.