What strategic approach was characteristic of the American air campaign in World War II?

The American air campaign in World War II was primarily characterized by the use of heavy aerial bombardment. This approach aimed to destroy the enemy’s industrial capability, disrupt supply lines, and reduce morale by targeting key infrastructure and civilian centers. The strategic bombing campaigns, especially prominent in Europe and the Pacific, were designed to inflict maximum damage on the enemy’s war-making potential.

By focusing on heavy bombardment, American forces sought to cripple the adversaries before ground troops engaged directly. This strategy was pivotal during operations such as the bombing of German cities and factories and the final maneuvers leading to Japan's surrender, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In effect, heavy aerial bombardment shaped the overall military strategy and heavily influenced the outcome of air power in modern warfare.