How Do You Spell OPERATION STARVATION?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒpəɹˈe͡ɪʃən stɑːvˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The term "operation starvation" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən ˈstɑrvəʃən/. The first part, "operation," is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, /ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən/. The second word, "starvation," is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and with a long "a" sound, /ˈstɑrvəʃən/. This phrase is often used to describe military tactics of denying food and other essential supplies to enemy troops during a conflict.

OPERATION STARVATION Meaning and Definition

  1. Operation Starvation refers to a military campaign and strategy implemented by the United States during World War II against the Empire of Japan. This strategy aimed to disrupt Japan's ability to import vital resources, primarily food, by cutting off their maritime supply routes. The campaign took place from 1944 until the end of the war in 1945.

    Operation Starvation involved the deployment of submarines and bombers to interdict Japanese shipping lanes, particularly those transporting food supplies. Submarines were instructed to attack and sink merchant vessels carrying essential goods, while bombers targeted coastal ports, harbors, and ships at anchor. The primary objective was to severely restrict Japan's access to food and other essential commodities, exacerbating their already precarious supply situation.

    The intent behind operation starvation was to put economic pressure on Japan, weaken their military capabilities, and ultimately force them to surrender. By targeting their supply lines, the United States sought to cause mass hunger, fuel social unrest, and cripple Japanese industrial production. The campaign's ultimate goal was to shorten the war and minimize American casualties.

    By disrupting Japan's ability to receive provisions, Operation Starvation greatly impacted their civilian population, leading to widespread famine, malnutrition, and desperation. The tactic played a crucial role in the larger strategy of isolating and eventually defeating Japan, contributing to the country's eventual surrender in August 1945.

Etymology of OPERATION STARVATION

The term "Operation Starvation" is not derived from any specific etymology. It is a name given to a military operation during World War II which was aimed at disrupting Japan's shipping routes and imposing a naval blockade. The operation involved aerial mining of Japanese waters to prevent the transportation of resources and supplies. The name likely suggests the intention of starving Japan of necessary resources to weaken its war effort.