The Pacific Theatre was a major front during World War II, primarily involving battles between the Allied Powers and Japan. It spanned a vast area, including the Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the islands of the Pacific. Key battles included the Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Philippines Campaign. The conflict began after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The Pacific Theatre was characterized by intense naval and aerial warfare, as well as ground combat on various islands. The use of aircraft carriers and amphibious assaults played a crucial role in the strategies employed by both sides. The theatre concluded with Japan's surrender following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.