Thesis Statement. Japan's decision to invade and occupy the Aleutians in World War II resulted from Doolittle's raid on Tokyo. Discussion. War came to the Aleutians in 1942. Two inhospitable Aleutian islands would be the site of a 15 month battle and involve a half million people. Both Japan and the United States viewed the Aleutians as vital to the defense of their homeland. Unsure of the origin of the Doolittle Raid, Japan realized their vulnerability to attack from that area. The United States also realized the importance of this area. The Aleutians became a prize for whoever got there first. Conclusion. Whether the Doolittle Raid originated from the Aleutians or an aircraft carrier, Japan realized her mainland was in danger. Her overriding factor became the safety of her mainland. The realization that they were vulnerable from the north weighed heavy as their Pacific plan unfolded. The daring raid shocked the Japanese people. Their leaders could not ignore the possibility of bases in the Aleutians. This concern, brought on by the Doolittle Raid, brought Japan to the Aleutians.

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