The military importance of the Battle of Iwo Jima has been debated since World War II ended, as the costly U.S. victory over the Japanese did not lead to a clearly improved strategic situation. Given the famous photograph of U.S. soldiers raising a flag atop the Japanese stronghold (which inspired in turn a monument still standing in Arlington, Virginia), the battle has undeniably become an important symbol for American valor, teamwork, and success.
Okinawa is part of Japan and is the largest island in the Ryukyu Islands chain. Iwo Jima, also known as Iwo To, is also a part of Japan, specifically within the Tokyo Metropolis. Both islands are under Japanese sovereignty, although Iwo Jima holds historical significance due to its role in World War II.
Its about 750 miles away
The fierce fighting in Iwo Jima and Okinawa significantly influenced the Allies' Pacific strategy by demonstrating the high human cost of a potential invasion of the Japanese mainland. The heavy casualties and intense resistance encountered in these battles underscored the need for an alternative approach, ultimately leading to the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These battles also highlighted the importance of securing strategic islands for airfields and supply lines, which became crucial for launching further operations in the Pacific. Consequently, the experiences in Iwo Jima and Okinawa shaped a shift towards a more aggressive and decisive strategy in the region.
The fierce fighting in Iwo Jima and Okinawa demonstrated the heavy cost of a potential invasion of Japan, leading the Allies to reconsider their strategy in the Pacific. The high casualty rates and stalwart Japanese resistance highlighted the need for an alternative approach, ultimately contributing to the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These battles emphasized the importance of securing strategic islands for airbases, which facilitated the Allied air campaign and naval operations leading to Japan's defeat.
The last two islands captured in the Pacific in 1945, were also the bloodiest; Iwo Jima & Okinawa.
Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Guam, Okinawa, Tinian, Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima and Okinawa - the closer to Japan the Allies came the stronger the resistance . (The US had difficult times at Guadacanal , Tarawa and Peleliu.)
Iwo Jima for sure.
Iwo Jima and Okinawa were captured in early 1945.
Because the Japanese hookers we're becoming over powering
1941
There were a number of islands captured by the Allies in 'Island Hopping' which was also known as 'leapfrogging' e.g. Guadalcanal , Peleliu , Tarawa , Iwo Jima and Okinawa .
US Marines .
Okinawa Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima and Okinawa
Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
So the allies can get closer to japan to stage attacks on them