When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour and later Dutch Harbour no one could believe it. Then they invaded the Aleutian Islands. The Japanese actually occupied Agattu, Attu, and Kiska Islands. Everyone suddenly felt threatened. Something had to be done to protect Alaska and the rest of North America. Canadian Journalist, George Murray said �We will either build a highway up to Alaska or the Japanese will build it down for us.� The Alaska Highway was built mainly as a military supply road to defend North America against the Japanese. The Alaska Territory soon became a major strategic military outpost.