February 3rd

What:
Marshall Islands are conquered by American troops

Where:
Marshall Islands

Year:
1944

Information and Significance
On February 3rd, 1944, American troops conquered the Marshall Islands. Since, World War I the Marshall Islands had been a League of Nations Mandate to Japan. After Pearl Harbor, these islands seemed like logical targets for the Americans to attack en route to Tokyo. The Marshalls intercepted several major shipping lanes that Japan needed for oil, metal and food. They were also directly next to the Northern Mariana Islands, which were close enough to Japan for the Allies to conduct strategic bombing raids. The Marshalls also put them next to the major Japanese stronghold, Truk Atoll. The conquest of these islands were another major stepping stome in the path to the permanent defeat of Japan and its allies.