Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Show 65 - Supernova in the East IV

Release Date: June 3, 2020

Introduction: The Shifting Sands of the Pacific War

Dan Carlin kicks off "Supernova in the East IV," a continuation of his extensive series exploring the tumultuous period of 1931 to 1945 in the Asia-Pacific theater. He sets the stage by highlighting the complex interplay between quantifiable military actions and the more elusive aspects of warfare, such as morale and psychological warfare.

“Morale is the most important thing on a tactical battlefield. Is it the most important thing on a strategic one? Does it apply to whole nation states?” [02:15]

Morale as a Strategic Weapon

Carlin delves into the concept of morale, distinguishing between its tangible elements—like ships and aircraft—and its intangible aspects, such as the will to fight. He explores how leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) attempted to harness morale through communication, notably his "fireside chats."

“If somebody really wants to keep doing it and really believes in it, that might be a plus, right?” [05:45]

FDR's address on February 23, 1942, is examined as a pivotal moment where he balances acknowledging wartime losses with inspiring confidence in eventual victory.

“We Americans have been compelled to yield ground, but we will regain it... We, not they, will win the final battles, and we, not they, will make the final peace.” [14:30]

Japanese Submarine Attacks and West Coast War Scare

The episode recounts the Japanese submarine shelling of Santa Barbara, a little-known incident that fueled fears of invasion on the U.S. West Coast, leading to widespread panic known as the "West Coast War Scare."

“This is evidence of panic in part. Set off by a sub attack on the coast.” [32:10]

Carlin shares personal anecdotes, including his grandfather’s experience during the famed “Battle of Los Angeles,” illustrating the psychological toll of such attacks.

The Doolittle Raid: A Double-Edged Sword

Carlin analyzes the Doolittle Raid, an audacious American operation intended to strike back at Japan and boost American morale. While it provided a symbolic victory, it came at a significant cost, including the loss of two aircraft carriers.

“But what breaks a nation's morale and what proof do you have that that's something that even occurs?” [48:50]

He juxtaposes the raid's intended psychological impact with its unintended consequences, notably the retaliation against Chinese civilians, which resulted in massive loss of life.

“Chang says 250,000 Chinese civilians paid with their lives in reprisals for the Doolittle raid.” [55:20]

Inter-Service Rivalry: Navy vs. Army

A significant portion of the episode explores the intense rivalry between the U.S. Navy and Army, particularly between Admiral Ernest King and General Douglas MacArthur. This discord hampered unified strategic planning and operational efficiency in the Pacific.

“The army and the Navy don't like each other. Other services have their issues.” [1:15:30]

Carlin highlights Admiral King’s abrasive leadership style and his clashes with Army counterparts, illustrating how personal animosities can influence wartime decisions.

Battle of the Coral Sea: Strategic Implications

Carlin provides a detailed account of the Battle of the Coral Sea, emphasizing its complexity and the strategic maneuvers by both Allied and Japanese forces. Although it was tactically inconclusive, it halted the Japanese advance towards Port Moresby, marking the first significant naval defeat for Japan.

“From a strategic standpoint, the Japanese, at least for now, called off their invasion of Port Mosby.” [1:30:45]

He underscores the battle's role in shifting the momentum of the Pacific War, setting the stage for future engagements.

Battle of Midway: The Turning Point

The episode culminates with an in-depth exploration of the Battle of Midway, portrayed as a decisive turning point in the Pacific. Carlin narrates the intricate dance of intelligence, strategy, and chance that led to the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers, crippling Japan’s naval dominance.

“This is a major shift in the war’s momentum. It flips the initiative, changes what the Japanese can do.” [2:05:10]

He recounts eyewitness testimonies and the chaos of aerial combat, illustrating the high stakes and rapid pace of modern naval warfare.

“They launched their strike. There was a blinding flash and then a second explosion, much louder than the first.” [2:40:30]

Human Cost and Atrocities

Carlin does not shy away from the darker aspects of the Pacific War, detailing Japanese atrocities against civilians and prisoners of war. He reflects on the moral and psychological complexities faced by both Japanese soldiers and Allied forces.

“The lesson of the experience of the minorities in the United States... wartime opens the door to the breaking of protections that defend us all.” [1:10:15]

Conclusion: The Fragility of Victory

Wrapping up, Carlin emphasizes the fragility of wartime morale and the profound impact of strategic decisions. The victories at Coral Sea and Midway are portrayed not just as military successes but as crucial psychological triumphs that would shape the remainder of the war.

“The road would be long and hard. Hard and massive preparations were still needed to win victory in the East.” [2:50:00]

Final Thoughts: Leadership and Legacy

In his closing remarks, Carlin reflects on the legacies of wartime leaders like FDR, Admiral King, and MacArthur, pondering how their decisions and personalities influenced the course of the war and future military strategies.

“These are some tough choices to make... it's a different kind of human experience.” [3:00:00]

Notable Quotes

• “Morale is the most important thing on a tactical battlefield.” – Dan Carlin [02:15]
• “We, not they, will win the final battles, and we, not they, will make the final peace.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt [14:30]
• “Chang says 250,000 Chinese civilians paid with their lives in reprisals for the Doolittle raid.” – Dan Carlin [55:20]
• “The army and the Navy don't like each other. Other services have their issues.” – Dan Carlin [1:15:30]
• “This is a major shift in the war’s momentum. It flips the initiative, changes what the Japanese can do.” – Dan Carlin [2:05:10]

Conclusion

"Supernova in the East IV" offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of pivotal moments in the Pacific War. Through meticulous detail and evocative storytelling, Dan Carlin illuminates the intricate strategies, personal rivalries, and human tragedies that defined this critical theater of World War II. Whether delving into high-level strategic decisions or the ground-level horrors of combat, this episode provides listeners with a profound understanding of how morale, leadership, and chance shaped the outcome of the war in the Pacific.