Question

WW2 Japan attack on Indian Ocean

Answer 1

Dan, I watched the top video all the way through...and did not know of that history. I did know, however, that as the video mentioned, the Allies' priorities in WWII were in Europe...The Philippines, for example, suffered terribly under Japanese occupation -- waiting for troops to come.

It was intriguing to see Winston Churchill's comment, that "this was the most dangerous moment of the war." (at 10:30 minutes in.)

I have not known much about the War in the Pacific, Rooster will have some information I feel sure, I myself have learned much from him.

One of my aunties was a WAC nurse during World War II, and served in the Pacific. I also learned much from her.

Answer 2

Yes, the Japanese ventured out into the Indian Ocean and even thought of invading India. But the Battle of Midway quickly stopped their expansionist plans!

Comments

I guess the Japanese militarists thought they could build an empire comparable to the British empire in a matter of a few decades, overlooking the fact that the British had built theirs over the course of centuries.

And, as it turned out, the time for such empires was rapidly drawing to a close.

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They wanted much territories but got only two atomic bombs.

Answer 3

There was an anti-British, nationalist Indian movement led by Subhas Chandra Bose, "Azad Hind" (Free India) that was recognized as a government by the Axis.

Germany even printed some stamps for Azad Hind, and there was an Indian Legion that fought with the Waffen SS in the European theater.

Bose died from burns following the crash of a Japanese plane he was on at the very end of WW2.

Answer 4

Japan wanted to conquer India after conquering Eastern and Southeastern Asia. They planned to conquer Australia. They failed and got the atomic bombs instead of territories in Asia.

Comments

Japan had been fighting in China for more than 10 years, and then controlled maybe half.

And now they wanted to conquer India too?

The Japanese decision-makers must have been drinking too much sake.