Module 8 - World War II 1939-45: A Turning Point for Alaska

Explain how Alaska's location was considered 'strategic' during World War II.  What were the war activities/events that supported the perspective of 'strategic' Alaska?

Alaska was considered strategic during WWII for many reasons.  First of all, it was easy to see that it was the closest distance for the Japanese and Americans to attack each other through what is known at the Great Circle Route.   It was also the closest point for the Americans to supply other countries war efforts when the Lend Lease project was created.   Alaska also had a truly unique landscape with varying weather patterns and constantly changing climate conditions.  Because of this, it was unfamiliar and difficult at times to navigate for those trying to invade. 

There were several war efforts that supported strategic Alaska.  The first was the development of the Alcan highway which is still very significant today.  The Alcan highway provided other means of travel and transportation of materials to Fairbanks where they would be shipped out.  Also, many military bases were created on some of the small islands that would be first contact points such as Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Sitka.  This provided strategic locations for a direct defensive position.  

Army officers first to drive on the new Alcan Hwy. (Google)

What was the rationale for the Lend-Lease ALSIB project?

The Lend-Lease ALSIB project was the program which supplied war items and materials to the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China, France, and other allied nations in exchange for the opportunity to put military bases in these countries.  It was first enacted to help Great Britain fight the axis powers, but expanded throughout other areas.  Approximately 50.1 billion dollars of materials were shipped to these areas.  Some scholars believe that by providing war materials to these other countries, the countries became a buffer which lessened the need for America to become directly involved in fighting Nazi Germany.

The ALSIB Northern Route was created as a result of the Lend Lease project and became the primary way in which planes were transported throughout the lower 48 and up into Alaska.  The military was contracted to build the Alcan Highway, one that is still extensively traveled today.  However, just like today, this road could be treacherous at times and created difficulties for the ferrying of these planes.

Courtesy of Bravo 369 Flight Foundation

 Evaluation

I have always enjoyed learning about the World Wars but have never studied the Alaskan side of the war.  It was interesting to see how much Alaska was involved and the strategic advantages that Alaska held.  I'm surprised that Alaska's involvement in the war is not something typically taught in most school systems.  The links were interesting and has a better flow since the war follows a timeline framework.  

 

Colleague Comments

Kelley shared very clear and concise information on what influenced settlement patterns in many areas of Alaska. 

Peter shared great pictures of early settlements and mines in Alaska. 

Heathers blog is very visually appealing.  I love her placement of pictures and text as it creates an overall great flow.