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Killing the Rising Sun summary
How America Vanquished World War II Japan
18 mins
Brief summary
Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is a historical account of the Pacific War's culmination. It exposes the brutality faced by both soldiers and civilians, delves into the science behind the atomic bomb, and reveals how America claimed victory.
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Killing the Rising Sun
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Key idea 1 of 7
Toward the end of World War II, Japanese soldiers were still fighting tooth and nail against American invaders.
On December 7, 1941, the United States was left without a choice.
The Japanese military had been eager to show their strength and dominance of the Pacific region, so they unleashed a horrific surprise attack on the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing nearly 2,500 men.
The United States had never experienced an attack like this, so there was little doubt about what would come next: the country declared war on Japan and joined the Allied forces in World War II.
Fast forward to the autumn of 1944, and the Allies were on the verge of winning the war; only the incredibly resilient and fierce Japanese army stood in their way.
General Douglas MacArthur was ready to apply the crushing blow, and he planned to deliver it on October 20, 1944.
It was called A-Day, short for Attack Day, and over 100,000 US Army troops under MacArthur’s command were sent onto the beaches and into the jungles of the Philippines.
Given the proximity of the Philippines to Japan, this invasion was a strategic necessity if they were to have any hope of successfully invading Japan.
MacArthur had reason to be optimistic: intelligence reports had predicted minimal enemy resistance. Yet weeks of bloody combat and fierce resistance followed, and it soon became clear that finishing off the Pacific campaign was going to be anything but easy.
It was the same story approximately 700 miles to the east, on the small island of Peleliu.
The Americans were desperate to secure an airstrip on this little speck in the Pacific Ocean, and once again the intelligence reports gave reason to be optimistic. But the Japanese forces were deeply entrenched and weren’t giving up an inch of land without inflicting horrific casualties on their American invaders.
Little did the US forces know that the Imperial Japanese Army was fighting under the code of Bushido, one of the strongest beliefs of the samurai, which views surrender as an appalling dishonor.
So, a battle that was supposed to last four days stretched on for 12 blood-soaked weeks, resulting in more than 6,500 American casualties before the island of Peleliu finally came under American control.
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What is Killing the Rising Sun about?
Killing the Rising Sun (2016) tells the story of the Pacific War, which took place between 1941 and 1945, and its main belligerents, the United States and Japan. From the attack on Pearl Harbor to bloody invasions of Japan to the development of the world’s first atomic bomb, the book portrays the brutality of World War II from a US perspective, and describes how the war was eventually won.
Killing the Rising Sun Review
Killing the Rising Sun (2016) uncovers the events leading to Japan's surrender in World War II and the end of the Pacific War. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, it provides a vivid account of the pivotal moments that changed the course of history.
- The book offers insightful analysis into the motives and strategies of both the Allies and the Japanese, shedding light on the complexities of war.
- By presenting lesser-known perspectives and untold stories, it captivates readers with its fascinating exploration of a significant chapter in world history.
Best quote from Killing the Rising Sun
General Douglas MacArthur received the Medal of Honor for his service in the Philippines, making him and his father, General Arthur MacArthur Jr., the first father and son to be awarded the medal.
—Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Who should read Killing the Rising Sun?
- Fans of world history and politics
- Military enthusiasts
- Anyone obsessed with or fascinated by the story of World War II
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Killing the Rising Sun FAQs
What is the main message of Killing the Rising Sun?
The main message of Killing the Rising Sun is a historical account of the Pacific War and the efforts to end World War II.
How long does it take to read Killing the Rising Sun?
The reading time for Killing the Rising Sun varies from person to person, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Killing the Rising Sun a good book? Is it worth reading?
Killing the Rising Sun is a captivating read that offers a well-researched perspective on a significant period of history.
Who is the author of Killing the Rising Sun?
The authors of Killing the Rising Sun are Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.
What to read after Killing the Rising Sun?
If you're wondering what to read next after Killing the Rising Sun, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Mosquito Bowl by Buzz Bissinger
- Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
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- Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman
- Get to the Point! by Joel Schwartzberg
- Command and Control by Eric Schlosser
- How to Finish Everything You Start by Jan Yager
- Confronting the Presidents by Bill O'Reilly
- The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt
- Meaningful by Bernadette Jiwa