Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

The strategy referred to as "island hopping" during World War II involved selectively attacking and capturing certain enemy-held islands while bypassing others. This approach was significant for several reasons. Primarily, it aimed to conserve resources and manpower by focusing on strategic locations that would provide the most advantage in terms of military operations and supply lines.

The islands chosen were often those that offered essential airfields or naval bases to support subsequent assaults. By taking these key islands, Allied forces could establish a chain of bases from which to launch further military actions, nipping at the strength of the Japanese forces and systematically weakening their control in the Pacific. This method of warfare allowed for a more efficient and effective advance compared to a broader, less discriminating assault on all enemy positions.

In contrast, blitzkrieg refers to a fast and intense military campaign intended to bring swift victory, while guerrilla warfare describes a form of irregular warfare where small groups use military tactics to fight a larger traditional army. Amphibious assault involves launching troops from the sea onto land, which can be part of island hopping but is not the specific strategy that focuses on selective island capture.