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The Battle of Leyte Gulf — The Liberation of the Philippines begins
The battle of Leyte Gulf, fought from October 23 to 26, 1944, was the start of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation. This battle was a turning point in World War II and marked the beginning of the end for Japan’s control over the Pacific.
Background: The Philippines under Japanese rule
The Philippines had been under Japanese occupation since early in World War II. The Japanese invasion in 1941 forces American and Filipino forces to surrender, leading to a brutal period of Japanese control. However, the United States, under General Douglas MacArthur, was determined to retake the Philippines. By 1944, the time had come to make good on MacArthur’s promise: “I shall return.”
The Allies knew that liberating the Philippines was crucial for cutting off Japan from its resources in Southeast Asia and for regaining control of the Pacific.
The Battle that started the Liberation
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the first step in freeing the Philippines. The battle involved four major confrontations, each contributing to the Allied victory and the liberation effort.
- The Battle of the Sibuyan Sea (October 24, 1944): As the Japanese Center Force, led by Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita, moved towards Leyte…
