The Battle of Midway was a major part of the Second World War, and it was fought majorly with ships and aircraft.This was the turning phase of World War II. Every participating country faced serious damages.The Battle of Midway was fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942. It was basically the expansion of Japan’s hold over the region. But their motives were not fulfilled and they were stopped by the Americans.The battle used aircraft such as dive bombers to affect the aircraft carrier of the other country, but in the battle, Japan was severely hurt in terms of Japanese troops and Japan’s fleet. The United States successfully intercepted and destroyed Japan’s aircraft carrier strength. Most of the best Japanese-trained naval pilots were martyred during this war. The end of the Battle of Midway resulted in ending the threat of the Japanese invading further in the Pacific region.The battle’s outcome is considered the most important naval victory by America in World War II. The success was down to the code-breakers. They were able to completely decipher Japanese naval codes. This helped American leaders to interpret and anticipate upcoming Japanese maneuvers. The US Pacific fleet then launched a surprise attack by American bombers on Japan’s fleet. This was a first in history.If you enjoy this article, why not also read about Cold war facts or Cold War dates here at Kidadl?Battle Of Midway SignificanceIn the naval history of World War II, the Battle of Midway was the time when Japanese ships planned to invade and expand their hold in the Pacific region.This battle became the turning point in strategies that followed in the Pacific region war. The battle ended in the United States’ favor. In the end, the Japanese navy lost four of its aircraft carriers while US Pacific fleet lost only one carrier.Japan actually planned to eliminate the US navy completely from the Pacific waters. Japan wanted to gain territory and islands in Asia and around. Japan planned to defeat the US Pacific fleet. They wanted to use Midway as their base to plan and execute an attack on Pearl Harbor.The United States was well aware of the Japanese planning a secret attack in the Pacific region. This was possible as the navy cryptanalysts had successfully deciphered the Japanese communication codes, since early 1942. They came to know the attack location and time. These were further confirmed by the American base at Midway, sending out a false message, about a shortage of fresh water. Japan responded to this message from a close-by location. This confirmed their location for the attack by the Imperial Japanese navy. Station Hypo, with the help of cryptanalysis, gave the date of the attack on American forces as June 4 or 5.Early on June 4, Japanese aircraft attacked and damaged the base of the US on Midway. The attack was launched from aircraft carriers belonging to Japan, but the US aircraft were also ready to reciprocate the attack. There were attacks from both sides. In the end, USS Yorktown was severely damaged. While Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu from the Japanese navy were damaged. US victory hampered the plans of Japan’s expansion in the Pacific. There were catastrophic material losses at the end of Japan at Midway. Four aircraft, Japanese carriers, one heavy cruiser, and around 320 planes including dive bombers were lost at the battle. Around 3,000 Japanese sailors in a Japanese submarine in the Japanese fleet as a part of the Japanese troops and airmen were martyred.The battle was a fierce one and there were remote chances of recovery of survivors among those who fell in the water. This victory of the United States cost them one carrier and a destroyer. They also lost 150 aircraft. Americans lost 317 sailors, airmen, and navy marines in this battle.Why did the Battle of Midway take place?The Japanese fleet wanted to have a stronghold in the Pacific region. They wanted to invade and take control of the areas in Asia and other islands.Japan’s main goal for the Battle of Midway in World War II was aimed at removing the United States as a superpower in Pacific territory. They wanted to rule the territory in the southwest Pacific islands and East Asia. Japan wanted to surprise and defeat the US using the Japanese carrier. They wanted to attack the US Pacific fleet and further make use of Midway as their base to plan an attack on Pearl Harbor. This would further secure their dominance in this region. As a result in the end there would have been a negotiated peace. Japan had planned a small attack at a place far from Midway with less strength to attract the major chunk of American troops away from Midway. They would then have attacked Midway and won over. Since the US already knew of the plan, they sent only a small part of the troops to handle the situation while the major fleet had intercepted the location of other carriers. They initiated an attack soon after Japan attacked Midway. There were losses at Midway hangers and runways trips.The US had also placed its carriers in the region. So they sent aircraft from there and countered the attack. This helped them not only defend Midway but also defeat the Japanese. America lost only one main carrier while Japan lost all its four carriers in this war. They had not anticipated this large amount of loss.Fate did not support Japan’s plans. The Americans were able to intercept and tackle the Japanese forces and four carriers that came to attack. All of them were separately handled and dealt with. The preparedness of Americans was a surprise for the Japanese. In fact, the Japanese followed the radio silence and could not even tell the others following that they had been intercepted. All this fell in favor of American troops.After Effects Of The BattleThe Battle of Midway is considered a crucial turning point of World War II in the Pacific region.It was the first major US navy victory against the Japanese navy and dive bombers. If Japan would have won the battle as planned, it would have conquered Midway Island. If Saratoga was the only American aircraft carrier in the Pacific with no others coming up in 1942, Japan would have invaded and occupied Fiji and Samoa, further planning an attack on Australia, Alaska, and Ceylon. They may have even made an attempt to conquer Hawaii.This battle brought the forces of Japan in the Pacific region along with the United States navy to an approximate parity. The battle was the most decisive naval defeat of Japan since 1592. In 1592, Korean admiral Yi Sun-shin had destroyed Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s fleet that planned invasion.After losing badly, Japan was forced to play defensive from then on. They were no longer in a position to attack the US. From that day ahead Japan did not plan an attack for territory expansion and stayed on the defense. All this also informed other countries about the strength of the US as well as the Allies. It became an important phase in the Second World War.Did the US suffer any loss?The Battle of Midway was a fierce one and had adverse effects as planned.Japan wanted to surprise and defeat the US, but their plans were washed away as the US was able to decipher their plans in advance. The US was prepared to tackle the attack. While on the other hand, the Japanese maintained radio silence during the attack and this decision harmed them the most. They could not inform the others about the resistance they were facing.At the battle, Japan lost four aircraft carriers and a cruiser. They also lost 292 aircraft and 2,500 men. While the major loss at the end of the US was Yorktown. USS Yorktown was a destroyer carrying 145 aircraft and suffered a loss of 307 men.Japan’s losses were massive and reduced Japanese naval’s might. This brought Japan and America to parity. This is when World War II took a turn. Later in August 1942, the US began a counteroffensive attack at Guadalcanal. They ceased only upon Japan’s surrender, which happened three years later.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for facts about Japanese carriers sunk at Midway, then why not take a look at American Civil War facts, or facts about Afghanistan during the Cold War?
The Battle of Midway was a major part of the Second World War, and it was fought majorly with ships and aircraft.
