Island Hopping
Definition
Island hopping is a military strategy used by Allies against Japan during World War II. It involved selectively attacking specific enemy-held islands and bypassing others to reach Japan quickly.
Analogy
Think of island hopping like playing a video game where you don't have to complete all levels. Instead, you can skip some levels (islands) to reach the final boss (Japan) faster.
Related terms
Douglas MacArthur: An American five-star general and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army who played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II including implementing island hopping strategy.
Guadalcanal Campaign: A significant strategic combined arms victory by Allied forces over Japanese forces in an area near Guadalcanal that marked an important part of island hopping campaign.
Iwo Jima: One of the major battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II that was part of island hopping strategy. The capture of Iwo Jima allowed for increased air support and emergency landing options for US forces moving towards Japan.
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