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Strategy in Crisis: The Pacific War, 1937-1945
The Pacific War (1937-1945) remains a crucial topic for strategic discussion, especially as Japan's push for a broader conflict in 1941 still fascinates historians. That regional push grew into a wider world war with all the major maritime powers, as well as the Soviet Union, in a conflict which challenged the allied response in Asia and beyond.
John T. Kuehn examines the Pacific War from the vantage point of strategy and the execution of that strategy. The allies entered an ongoing Sino-Japanese War in China (1937-1945) which shaped the implementation of strategic decision making for the larger campaigns of The Pacific War. The Pacific War is often regarded as a conflict between the United States and Japan, but it involved a far greater cast of national characters, and the strategic calculations of these actors are addressed by the author in concise detail. The actions of the powers, such as the Dutch, British, Australians, New Zealanders, and the Soviet Union as well as the two primary nations, the U.S. and Empire of Japan, are considered through the strategic paradigm. The author, looking at the strategy of Imperial Japan as well as that of the U.S., concludes that the Axis failures in terms of coalition strategy continued throughout the war, even as the Allies strengthened coalition warfare along fronts.
John T. Kuehn examines the Pacific War from the vantage point of strategy and the execution of that strategy. The allies entered an ongoing Sino-Japanese War in China (1937-1945) which shaped the implementation of strategic decision making for the larger campaigns of The Pacific War. The Pacific War is often regarded as a conflict between the United States and Japan, but it involved a far greater cast of national characters, and the strategic calculations of these actors are addressed by the author in concise detail. The actions of the powers, such as the Dutch, British, Australians, New Zealanders, and the Soviet Union as well as the two primary nations, the U.S. and Empire of Japan, are considered through the strategic paradigm. The author, looking at the strategy of Imperial Japan as well as that of the U.S., concludes that the Axis failures in terms of coalition strategy continued throughout the war, even as the Allies strengthened coalition warfare along fronts.
- GenresWorld War II
240 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 31, 2024
A gem of Pacific War history, relating the progress of the war to the strategy and operational considerations that governed along the way, high level decision making, evolution of tactics, capabilities and logistics - especially the overriding logistical necessities. Kuehn takes an objective, and even-handed approach regarding both sides - Allies and Imperial Japan.
On the other hand, the book would benefit immensely from a thorough proofreading. There is an abundance dance of proofing errors - misspellings (ex: Enewetak in a paragraph full of mentions of Eniwetok) - awkward formulations (ex: carrier task groups were composed of three or two or three ships) - incorrect use of articles (ex: the Nagumo's force). The frequent occurrence of such errors throughout are a distraction from an otherwise excellent content.
On the other hand, the book would benefit immensely from a thorough proofreading. There is an abundance dance of proofing errors - misspellings (ex: Enewetak in a paragraph full of mentions of Eniwetok) - awkward formulations (ex: carrier task groups were composed of three or two or three ships) - incorrect use of articles (ex: the Nagumo's force). The frequent occurrence of such errors throughout are a distraction from an otherwise excellent content.
December 31, 2023
Well written and blessedly concise. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews