8. In order to stockpile supplies and build up troops for an Invasion of Japan, American military planners chose to first invade where? \( \begin{array}{ll}\text { A. Hiroshima } & \text { C. Nagasaki } \\ \text { B. Iwo Jima } & \text { D. Okinawa }\end{array} \)

To answer the question regarding the American military planners' choice for the first invasion in preparation for an invasion of Japan, we need to consider historical context. The correct answer is: **B. Iwo Jima** ### Explanation: 1. **Historical Context**: The United States aimed to capture strategic islands in the Pacific to establish bases for air operations against Japan. 2. **Iwo Jima**: This island was chosen due to its location, which was critical for launching air attacks on the Japanese mainland. The battle for Iwo Jima took place in early 1945 and was a significant and fierce battle. 3. **Okinawa**: While Okinawa was also invaded later in 1945 and was crucial for the final stages of the war, it was not the first invasion. 4. **Hiroshima and Nagasaki**: These cities were not invaded; instead, they were the targets of atomic bombings in August 1945. Thus, the first invasion in preparation for the invasion of Japan was Iwo Jima.