Potentially invaluable as forward U.S. airbase, Iwo Jima becomes the scene of earth-shaking bombardments and an epic, bloody battle. A mountain redoubt, Kamikaze attacks and loose sand that bogs down droops and vehicles complicate the assault. A steady stream of casualties leaves the fortress island as American firepower pounds the fanatical Japanese defenders for five weeks.
Japan's armies surge into Manchuria. There, the Chinese must labor to exploit their own nation's resources and infrastructure to the invaders' benefit. Meanwhile, the Japanese militarists eagerly plan their next conquests. America goes to war after a suprise Japanese bombing raid spectacularly pulverises the U.S. fleed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
