Philippines campaign (1941–1942)

During World War II, there was a battle called the Philippines Campaign that happened between 1941 and 1942. The Philippines is a country in southeast Asia made up of lots of islands, and at the time, it was controlled by the United States.

Japan, another country, wanted to take control of the Philippines because it had lots of important resources and military bases. Japan started attacking the Philippines in December 1941, and lots of US soldiers and Filipino people had to fight to try and defend their country.

But Japan had stronger weapons and more soldiers, so they were able to take control of the Philippines by May 1942. Many US soldiers and Filipino people were captured, and some were forced to march a very long and difficult journey called the Bataan Death March.

The Philippines Campaign was a very difficult time for the people who lived there and for the soldiers who had to fight. It was an important part of World War II because it helped Japan gain control over more land and resources, but it also showed the strength and bravery of the people who fought to protect their home.