Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for The Battle of Manila by Nicholas Evan Sarantakes - Available

The Battle of Manila

Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War

by Nicholas Evan Sarantakes
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Read a sample Read a sample
1 of 1 copy available
A thrilling and in-depth look at the battle for Manila, the third-bloodiest battle of World War II and the culmination point of the war in the Pacific theater. In 1945 the United States and Japan fought the largest and most devastating land battle of their war in the Pacific, a month-long struggle for the city of Manila. The only urban fighting in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Manila was the third-bloodiest battle of World War II, behind Leningrad and Berlin. It was a key piece of the campaign to retake control of the Philippine Islands, which itself signified the culmination of the war, breaking the back of Japanese strategic power and sealing its outcome. In The Battle of Manila, Nicholas Sarantakes offers the first in-depth account of this crucial campaign from the American, Japanese, and, significantly, Filipino perspective. Fighting was building by building, with both sides forced to adapt to the new combat environment. None of the U.S. units that entered Manila had any previous training in urban warfare—yet, Sarantakes shows, they learned on the fly how to use tanks, flamethrowers, air, and artillery assets in support of infantry assaults. Their effective use of these weapons was an important factor in limiting U.S. casualties, even as it may also have contributed to a catastrophic loss of civilian lives. The battle was a strategic U.S. victory, but Sarantakes reveals how closely it hinged upon the interplay between a series of key decisions in both U.S. and Japanese headquarters, and a professional culture in the U.S. military that allowed the Americans to adapt faster and in more ways than their opponents. Among other aspects of the conflict, The Battle of Manila explores the importance of the Filipino guerillas on the ground, the use of irregular warfare, the effective use of intelligence, the impact of military education, and the limits of Japanese resistance. Ultimately, Sarantakes shows Manila to be a major turning in both World War II and American history. Once the United States regained control of the city, Japan was in a checkmate situation. Their defeat was certain, and it was clear that the United States would be the dominate political power in post-war Asia and the Pacific. This fascinating account shines a light on one of the war's most under-represented and highly significant moments.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 31, 2025

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780199392803

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780199392803
      • File size: 21697 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      Starred review from January 1, 2025

      Sarantakes (strategy and policy, U.S. Naval War Coll.; Fan in Chief) argues persuasively that the costs to the U.S. Army to take Manila in World War II and the subsequent occupation and reconstruction not only hindered the war in the Pacific for the Americans but was counterproductive to their interests too. General Tomoyuki Yamashita (1885-1946), the Japanese commander, was reportedly determined to make the battle as costly as possible and embarked on a campaign to make that happen. To rout the well-entrenched Japanese and limit casualties, the American forces pounded much of the city into rubble with artillery. Japanese atrocities muted much of the criticism the U.S. deserved, however, and the effort and supplies needed to rebuild infrastructure and feed the population proved to be a drain on the U.S. war effort in the Pacific. VERDICT Taking a whole-army approach, Sarantakes describes the contributions of all units and levels of command, along with discussions of unit mobility, intelligence, and tactics. This strategy makes for a detailed and comprehensive treatment of a generally under-researched but crucial battle. This deeply researched and well-written work will certainly be enjoyed by readers of World War II history.--Chad E. Statler

      Copyright 2025 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading