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Island hopping

Definition

Island hopping was a strategy employed by Allied forces during World War II to gradually capture Japanese-held islands in the Pacific by bypassing heavily fortified ones, allowing them to establish bases closer to Japan.

Analogy

Picture yourself as a frog trying to cross a pond filled with lily pads. Instead of jumping directly from one pad to another, you strategically choose certain pads that are closer together, making it easier for you to reach your final destination.

Related terms

Iwo Jima: A critical island captured by American forces through intense fighting as part of their island-hopping strategy.

Battle of Okinawa: One of the bloodiest battles fought between American and Japanese forces during World War II, also part of island hopping.

Bataan Death March: After surrendering on April 9, 1942, thousands of Filipino and American prisoners were forced to march 65 miles by Japanese captors - this event demonstrated some reasons why US wanted victory against Japan.