131-210 Total War: Asia & the Pacific 1931-1952

Usually 25 points of first-year history or Asian studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject examines what is arguably the single most important event in the 20th century history of Japan, Australia, East Asia, the Pacific, and America: The Second World War. The conflict that many consider 'officially' began with Japan's aggression in Manchuria in 1931, culminated with dropping of atomic bombs on Japan, and was formally concluded in 1951 will be explored in a political, social, economic, industrial, environmental, legal, moral, racial, military, and diplomatic context. In this subject, a significant amount of time will be spent discussing how and why this war fundamentally altered the important relationships that it did including those between state and society, between nations, between allies, and between concepts of morality and immorality in combat. All of these issues, which are critically important in the world in which we live today, will all be explored both in lectures and tutorials. We will also investigate the strategic, political, economic, military, social, environmental, technical and human factors that influenced the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific. Moreover, we will discuss important historiographical issues such as: Japan's undeclared war in China; the 'inevitability' of war between Japan and the Allies; the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor and Singapore; the impact of intelligence and new technologies on combat; the influence of environmental factors; racism and the war; the targeting of civilians; and the use of atomic and biological weapons, and the whole question of 'victor's justice'. Finally, throughout this subject, we will explore the transformative impact that this war had on both the domestic and foreign policies of the actors involved in this conflict, most importantly America, Japan, and the colonized countries of Asia and the Pacific. On completion of this subject you should have a solid understanding of the factors that led to the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific, the nature of total war fought over the world's largest and most diverse battlefield, the impact of this war on civilians, soldiers, and the state, the factors behind Japan's eventual defeat, and the impact this war had on the world in which we live today.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay proposal of 150 words 10% (due mid semester), a research essay of 2500 words 45% (due mid semester), an essay of 1350 words 35% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%.