The story
Scope & Content (Historic): Documentary: Reviews its history, and philosophical and religious concepts. Reel 1 describes its history and descent of its emperor; importance of Shintoism; rise of Shogun and their Bushido code; isolationism; and trade agreement made by Comdr. Matthew Calbraith Perry; and government reorganization. Reel 2 traces its modernization through World War II.
Government control of education; social and economic distinctions; invasion of Formosa, 1894, and Korea, 1910; Russo-Japanese War, 1904; World Wars I & II; bombings of Pearl Harbor and Japan. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright's surrender; Japanese atrocities; Manila's destruction; battles of Corregidor and Okinawa; Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return to Philippines.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.