Question

question 2 of 20

which battle resulted in 30,000 allied casualties but gave the allies control of a small island from which to launch bombing runs over mainland japan?

a. battle of okinawa
b. battle of guadalcanal
c. battle of the philippine sea
d. battle of iwo jima

Explanation:

Analyze the question requirements

The question asks for a specific World War II battle in the Pacific Theater that:

1. Resulted in approximately 30,000 Allied casualties.
2. Gave the Allies control of a small island.
3. Provided a base to launch bombing runs over mainland Japan.

Evaluate the options

• Battle of Okinawa: This was a massive campaign with over 50,000 Allied casualties. While it was used as a staging ground, the casualty count and scale differ from the specific "small island" description often associated with Iwo Jima's strategic airfield purpose.
• Battle of Guadalcanal: Fought much earlier in the war (1942–1943) in the Solomon Islands, too far from mainland Japan to launch direct bombing runs.
• Battle of the Philippine Sea: A major naval battle (1944) rather than a land battle for a small island airfield directly targeting the Japanese mainland.
• Battle of Iwo Jima: Fought in February–March 1945. The US suffered about 26,000 to 30,000 total casualties (including dead and wounded). The primary strategic goal was to capture the island's three airfields to provide emergency landing strips and fighter escorts for B-29 bombers attacking mainland Japan.

Connect to historical concepts

Using the Pacific Theater Strategy knowledge point, we know that the island-hopping campaign targeted specific strategic islands. Iwo Jima was a crucial small volcanic island captured specifically to support the air campaign against the Japanese home islands.

Answer:

• (A) Battle of Okinawa
• (B) Battle of Guadalcanal
• (C) Battle of the Philippine Sea
• (D) Battle of Iwo Jima (Correct answer)