Question

how did the \island-hopping\ strategy save american lives in world war ii? us forces only attacked japanese-held islands with strategic importance. allied forces attacked japanese-held island by sea and air only. us forces attacked japanese-held islands with weak defenses. allied forces attacked different islands, sharing the losses equally.

Explanation:

The island - hopping strategy in WWII was about the US forces focusing on attacking Japanese - held islands that had strategic importance (like airfields, ports for supply lines) and bypassing those that were not. This way, they didn't waste resources and lives on attacking every island. The second option is wrong because Allied forces also used ground troops. The third option is incorrect as it wasn't just about weak defenses but strategic value. The fourth option is wrong as there was no equal sharing of losses in that way.

Answer:

A. US forces only attacked Japanese - held islands with strategic importance.