In this week's episode of The American Idea, we look back 80 years to the pivotal Battle of Tarawa, the first in America's 'Island Hopping' campaign during World War 2 in the Pacific. Dr. John Moser is joined by military historian Bruscinocino to discuss why the battle took place, why America suffered such a high casualty rate, and how the battle and its outcome shaped U.S. war policy, strategy, and tactics in the Pacific from late 1943 onward.Suggested Readings:Aleutians, Gilberts, and Marshalls, June 1941-April 1944: History of US Naval Operations in WW2 v7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591145538?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_18X1SY0J7SQ4GPBDN8P4Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls: https://history.army.mil/html/books/005/5-6-1/index.htmlHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea