The Gilbert Islands campaign, particularly the battles of Tarawa and Makin, marked an important shift in the Pacific War strategy employed by the United States in World War II. Initiating on November 20, 1943, the operation sought to capture critical points to launch follow-up assaults across the Central Pacific. Tarawa, specifically the atoll of Betio, was heavily fortified by Japanese forces, making it a formidable challenge. The U.S. faced fierce resistance, with significant casualties occurring during the landings due to well-placed Japanese bunkers and machine gun nests. Despite the struggle, the U.S. forces, primarily Marines, persevered and took control of Betio by November 23 after days of intense combat. Meanwhile, the Makin Atoll was also targeted as a staging area and faced lighter resistance. The operation's completion marked a critical moment in the Pacific campaign, showcasing both the challenges of amphibious assaults and the determination of American military strategy. It set the stage for further advances towards territories like the Marshall Islands and eventually towards Japan itself, illustrating the tactical shift towards an island-hopping strategy.