Today most Americans remember World War II as the “good war” against fascism and for democracy. Whereas Germany and Italy represented fascist countries, Australia and the United States symbolised democratic nations. Japan viewed itself as a country “liberating” Asians and Pacific Islanders from Western rule.

For many CHamorus and other Pacific Islanders, however, they do not recall the war in these ways. Instead, they remember a war of racism, violence, and destruction. In fact, most Pacific Islanders did not join the US military or live in California and other parts of the continental US before the war.

How did Pacific Islanders experience World War II? Why did Japan and the United States wage war against each other? How did Pacific Islanders ultimately respond to a war not of their own making? How did the war shape their mass migration to California during the 1950s to 1960s? And how did the war’s aftermath affect US military interests in Oceania more generally?

This module explores the history and impact of WWII in Oceania.