Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, several locations fell to Japanese forces due to their military superiority and strategic planning. One of the most significant early losses was the Philippines. The Japanese launched an invasion shortly after Pearl Harbor, leading to the Fall of Bataan in April 1942 and the surrender of Corregidor in May 1942.
Another location that was quickly occupied was Guam. The Japanese landed on the island on December 8, 1941, just a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and swiftly took control, which resulted in a brutal occupation.
Additionally, Wake Island faced a similar fate. Japanese forces attempted to capture Wake Island but faced stiff resistance from the American garrison. However, after intense fighting, the island ultimately fell to Japan in early December 1941.
These early losses significantly impacted American military strategy and operations in the Pacific theater, leading to a long and grueling conflict that would span years.