The United States' entry into World War II is often thought to have been triggered by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. However, the roots of the U.S. entry actually go back much further, to a little-known battle in Mongolia called the Battle of Khalkhin Gol.

This battle was a key turning point in the war, and its lessons were tragically ignored by both sides. As a result, when Japan and the United States went to war in 1941, they were woefully unprepared for what was to come.

The Battle of Khalkhin Gol

The Battle of Khalkhin Gol, also known as the Battles of Nomonhan, was fought between the Soviet Union and Japan in 1939. The conflict had its roots in an unspecified part of the border between Outer Mongolia and Manchuria, an area that both sides claimed and took steps to defend.

In time, tensions escalated into a fierce fight involving aerial combat, tank warfare, infantry engagement, and naval bombardment. Soviet forces ultimately emerged victorious and compelled Japanese troops to retreat. In addition to taking their own casualties, they also abandoned their weapons and other military equipment on the battlefield.

Following the battle, it was agreed by both sides that there would henceforth be greater cooperation between them on many issues.

The Battle of Khalkhin Gol served as a precursor for World War II and shaped how countries approached international affairs for decades afterward. It was a significant moment in history whose impact is still felt today.

The Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact

On April 13, 1941, representatives of the Soviet Union and Japan met in Moscow with the intention of ending a decade-long dispute between their nations. The two had been in conflict since 1932 over ownership of four islands in the Kuril Islands chain and it seemed impossible to reconcile those differences.

After nearly three weeks of tense negotiations, however, an agreement was reached — one that brought an end to centuries of hostility between Russia and Japan. The agreement became known as the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact and would remain in effect for a full decade.

The pact stipulated that each country would respect the other's territorial integrity and refrain from participating in any action intended to interfere with or change the existing political system in either party's state.

Both sides also committed to resolving future conflicts through peaceful means such as mediation or arbitration rather than through violence or war.

Despite further disputes after its signing, the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact ensured peace between these two countries for an entire decade and set an important precedent for peacefully solving international conflicts. In this way, it stands as one of history’s most significant diplomatic achievements.

USSR targets Nazi Germany, Japan focuses on Southeast Asia

This agreement bound the two states to remain neutral towards each other and effectively removed the threat of a war on two fronts for the USSR.

The pact also allowed both sides to freely pursue their respective strategic objectives. For example, it enabled the USSR to commit its resources to fighting Nazi Germany, while allowing Japan to focus on conquering Southeast Asia unhindered.

This agreement was a pivotal moment before the start of World War II, allowing each side to further their respective agendas without fear of interference or repercussion from the other. While some view it as an expedient way for both countries to further their objectives, this pact ultimately had devastating implications for much of Europe – and even beyond – due to subsequent events that resulted from it.

It is clear then, that this pact created a framework within which some of history's most devastating empires were able to gain strength and wreak havoc with relative impunity.

In retrospect, it is certainly possible that much human suffering could have been avoided if this agreement had never been made. Nonetheless, no matter what our opinions may be on its morality, there is no question that this pact played an important part in shaping history forevermore.

With hindsight being twenty-twenty, only time will tell what might have been different had these events not transpired as they did.

United States enters World War II

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States awoke to a chaotic and devastating attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.

This pivotal moment in history changed America’s fate forever, sparking a massive effort to protect our nation from foreign invasions. The Japanese attack marked the beginning of World War II in the Pacific theater, as it prompted the United States and other Allied powers to declare war against Japan and its allies, Germany and Italy.

Within days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt declaring war on Japan, millions of American soldiers were activated for service, setting off one of the most furious and impactful global conflicts of all time. For four years, Americans sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom and liberty amid global unrest; almost half a million lost their lives before World War II finally drew to a close in 1945.

Today we continue to commemorate those who gave it all defending our country during this dark chapter in history. On Pearl Harbor Day 2021 — and every year — may we never forget the brave men and women who made their final stand to keep us safe from harm. May they rest in peace.

The defeat of both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan

The defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan was a major turning point in history. It marked the end of two authoritarian regimes that threatened global stability and peace, while paving the way for democracies to flourish.

The contribution made by the United States cannot be overstated; not only did its decisive action help bring an end to hostilities, but it also laid crucial foundations for future global security. U.S.-led forces expended tremendous resources, with manpower and material contributions coming from all parts of the country.

Every branch of service contributed to the war effort, with significant victories achieved throughout Europe and in the Pacific Theater. In addition, its leadership on a political level helped shape various post-war agreements between nations and resistance movements around the world.

Ultimately, without strong American involvement, such a defining moment would have been very hard to achieve.

A conflict such as this one required an unwavering commitment from the United States; thanks to this dedication and bravery on behalf of those involved we now have a much brighter future ahead of us. This story will remain etched in our collective memory, forever honoring those who gave so much for freedom's cause.

The Battle of Khalkhin Gol was a turning point in World War II. The Soviet Union and Japan signed the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact, which allowed the USSR to focus on its war with Nazi Germany. This led to the United States' entry into World War II after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States played a major role in defeating both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.