american forces

US Forces in New Zealand

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  Seventy years ago, in June 1942, the first American soldiers landed on New Zealand soil, to begin an 'invasion' which would have a profound impact on both visitors and hosts over the next 18 months.

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• Page 2 – Overview

  Overview of US forces in New Zealand during the Second World War.

• Page 3 – Arrival

  The invasion began in Auckland on 12 June 1942 when five transport ships carrying soldiers of the US Army sailed into the harbour. Two days later Marines landed in Wellington

• Page 4 – The camps

  American life in New Zealand between 1942 and 1944 was centred on the camps. Most of these were to be found within marching distance or a short train journey from Wellington or

• Page 5 – Having fun US style

  Although the American forces worked hard, they all craved some time off. But New Zealand leisure-habits were very different to American ones. So the visitors devised their own

• Page 6 – Having fun NZ Style

  For many people of both nations the most memorable aspect of the American invasion was the home visits. Often these were arranged formally, with New Zealand families signing up

• Page 7 – Yankee boys, Kiwi girls

  Romantic liaisons between American servicemen and New Zealand women inevitably developed. The soldiers were starved of female company, and the Kiwi women often found the

• Page 8 – Economic impact

  The presence of thousands of well-paid Americans in the country and a large army to service brought about a minor economic boom in New Zealand and some long-term effects on

• Page 9 – Americans and Māori

  There were considerable tensions between the Americans and Māori, so strenuous efforts were made to build inter-racial bridges.

• Page 10 – The end or a beginning?

  The end of the American invasion was a gradual process which started in the last months of 1943. For some New Zealanders it was a relief to see the men go; for others it was

• Page 11 – Further information

  Books and further reading relating to the US forces in NZ during the Second World War

War in the Pacific

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  Thousands of New Zealanders fought in the Pacific War, which was sparked by the Japanese bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. It was a conflict fought on a vast scale over huge distances. For the New Zealanders, this was a war fought close to home.

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• Page 4 - The final stagesOnce the tide had turned in favour of the United States and its allies, American troops began 'island hopping' through the central Pacific, taking one island after another.

Allies

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  The military alliance that fought against the Central Powers was known as the Allies. Initially this alliance was based around the four great powers of Russia, France, Japan and the British Empire, along with the smaller states of Serbia, Montenegro and Belgium that also went to war in 1914.

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• Page 12 - United States of AmericaKey information and statistics about the United States of America during the First World