The Pacific Theater: Island Representations of World War II

White, Geoffrey M., ed. (1990). The Pacific Theater: Island Representations of World War II. Carlton: Melbourne University Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-1146-4 978-0-522-84401-6.

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Abstract: “The Pacific Theater: Island Representations of World War II” examines the impact of World War II on various societies across Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, with a focus on the latter two regions due to their significant involvement in the conflict. The chapters explore the war’s consequences on prewar village life, including challenges, alterations, and affirmations of local identity and social structures, resulting from interactions with wartime outsiders and the war economy.

The narrative illustrates how islanders responded to the Japanese occupation by employing strategies of guile and deception, with stories reflecting themes of humor and irony amidst power dynamics between locals and outsiders . The progression of the war and the deterioration of relations between Japanese forces and island inhabitants are highlighted, yet some narratives focus on more mundane experiences, such as interactions between ordinary people and occupying forces. Through these recollections and storytelling, the enduring social memories and cultural adaptations of island societies during and after the conflict are detailed.

CHUUK: played a significant role during World War II as a major Japanese stronghold in the Pacific. Strategic Avoidance by the Allies: The Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to bypass Pohnpei in favor of direct action against Truk, despite initially planning an invasion of Pohnpei after the Marshalls. Truk was a primary target due to its strategic utility and was considered more valuable than Pohnpei, which was too rainy for a large airbase. Military Attacks: At the end of April 1944, Truk was subjected to a second major attack, which included simultaneous naval bombardments of nearby islands, such as Pohnpei and Satawan. The Japanese were suspected of constructing alternate airbases on these islands, accentuating Truk’s importance as a military target Disruption of Japanese Reinforcements: After the attack on Kosrae, Truk was part of a logistical disruption for the Japanese. Allied bombing campaigns in Truk hindered further transportation, leaving Japanese reinforcements stranded on Kosrae and cutting off essential goods, thus contributing to hardships on the island.

POHNPEI: During World War II, Pohnpei was under Japanese colonial rule and found itself strategically implicated due to its location. Although no major battles occurred on the island, local men were drafted to fight elsewhere, and the island’s resources were constrained during the war. The presence of Japanese forces and the subsequent disruption of trade led to shortages and forced the local population to rely on traditional means of survival. Pohnpei’s experiences during the war led to a reassessment of its relations with external powers. Historically, the people of Pohnpei had accommodated foreign interests, which resulted in a passive relationship with colonizers. However, their experiences during the war appeared to cultivate a desire for greater autonomy and control over their futures.

KOSRAE: During the war, Pohnpei men, along with people from Kosrae, Kiribati, Okinawans, Koreans, and Japanese soldiers, were relocated to Kosrae to serve as laborers on various military projects. One significant task was constructing a seaplane airstrip at Lele. However, the project was abandoned by the Japanese in November 1943 when it became apparent that it would not be needed. In February 1944, four American planes attacked, resulting in the sinking of the Sun Sang Maru and the destruction of the Japanese warehouse, airstrip, and other military buildings. This incident marked the onset of severe hardships on the island, as subsequent Allied bombings disrupted transportation from Truk, stranding Japanese reinforcements and cutting off essential supplies, which led to food shortages. Despite the challenges, the survival rate of Kitti men who returned from Kosrae was impressive. Out of the original 179 men, only six died, and this success was believed to be due in large part to the resilience and strength drawn from Pohnpei traditions [19]. The Pohnpei people were also noted for their reputation as hard workers, becoming favorites of the Japanese, and adept at forming kinship ties with the Kosraeans, aiding their access to supplies and assistance.

Extra details:

DOI: 10.2307/2760406
MAG: 2078498636
CorpusID: 128485711
OpenAlex: W2078498636