Introduction; Part I. Australia in 1942: 1. Australia in 1942: a pivotal year? David Horner; Part II. Relations, Politics and the Home Front: 2. World wars and the anticipation of conflict: the impact on long-established Australian Japanese relations 1905-1943 Pam Oliver; 3. The overlooked mission: Australia and home defence Albert Palazzo; 4. The home front and the American presence in 1942 Kate Darian-Smith; 5. The 'dangers and problems unprecendented and unpredictable': the Curtin government's response to the threat Ross McMullin; Part III. Australia Under Threat: 6. The Japanese Army's 'unplanned' South Pacific campaign Hiroyuki Shindo; 7. Japanese strategy and intentions toward Australia Steve Bullard; 8. The air raids on Darwin, 19 February 1942: image and reality Alan Powell; Part IV. The War on Australia's Doorstep: 9. Vanquished but defiant; victorious but divided - the RAAF in the Pacific 1942 Mark Johnston; 10. The war at sea - on, above and below the waves Ian Pfennigwerth; 11. On Australia's doorstep: Kokoda and Milne Bay Karl James; 12. Anzacs and Yanks: US and Australian operations at the beachhead battles Peter J. Dean; Conclusion: 1942 in reflection.