World War II Lecture Series - The War Against the Japanese Empire 1937-45


Adult / History -
Fall 2025

Explore the dramatic origins and turning points of World War II in Asia in this immersive session with Dr. Ian Drake - discover how the conflict began long before Pearl Harbor, as Japanese ambitions set the stage for a struggle that would shape the entire region.

Uncover Japan’s war aims and the underlying motivations driving its expansion across Asia, starting with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the pivotal Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which many historians regard as the true beginning of the war in Asia.

Journey through key events including the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the fierce Battle of Midway, and the relentless island-hopping campaign. Witness how the war culminated in the devastating use of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which finally brought hostilities to an end.

Through vivid storytelling and expert insights, this talk illuminates the critical mistakes, strategic choices, and complex cultural dynamics that shaped both Japan’s rise and its ultimate defeat. Ideal for anyone passionate about history, global conflict, or the forces that transformed the modern world—reserve your seat and experience history come alive!

Ian J. Drake

Associate Professor, Political Science and Law, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Drake obtained his Ph.D. in American history from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2010. His teaching interests include the American judiciary and legal system, the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional history, the history and contemporary study of law and society, broadly construed, and political theory. His recent research interests include the history of American constitutional law and private law, particularly tort and contract law. Dr. Drake is currently conducting research on animal protection laws, First Amendment rights, and the politics of the treatment of animals used in industrial agriculture and scientific research. Prior to earning his Ph.D. in history, Dr. Drake practiced law in the areas of insurance and tort law.

 November 2025 
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  Ian J. Drake


Morris Museum
Thursday, Nov 13
10:00 - 11:30 AM

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Price: $ 30 00