Battle Of Midway Analysis
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Battle of Midway, and provide an alternate outcome based on the intelligence aspects affecting the battle both before and during. The Battle of Midway is considered one of the most decisive battles during World War II, and indeed one of the most pivotal naval battles of all time. It served as a turning point in the intense battle for the Pacific between United States and Japanese forces, tipping the scales into the Allies favor. Many today see the battle as one that should have resulted in an Japanese victory due to strategic advantage and sheer numbers. However, analysis reveals that without the decisive usage of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets by US forces, the Japanese
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At the same time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they also launched coordinated attacks on the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam, among others. Their goal was to quickly and decisively expand across the Pacific and establish a front along the many island chains spread throughout. The Japanese thought it paramount to establish this defensive perimeter to act as a barrier to American advances and to ensure the safety of the Japanese homeland. They were keenly aware that they lacked resources and manpower necessary to win a protracted war of attrition against the US, and sought to overcome this disadvantage through these decisive actions. Between Pearl Harbor and May 1942, the Japanese were largely successful. Their empire now encompassed lands from the Dutch East Indies to the Soloman Islands, and from the Gilbert Islands up to Wake Island. This included Korea, Manchuria, Hong Kong, and much of South East Asia as well. While many hard fought battles were waged over these places, the US and their allies were more often than not defeated. Manila, Hong Kong, and Bataan being among those defeats Spurred on by these gains and an American strike against the Japanese Homeland in the Doolitle Raid, the Japanese Empire sought to solidify their position and erect their “barrier” strategy. The island of Midway was a integral part of completing this
At the same time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they also launched coordinated attacks on the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam, among others. Their goal was to quickly and decisively expand across the Pacific and establish a front along the many island chains spread throughout. The Japanese thought it paramount to establish this defensive perimeter to act as a barrier to American advances and to ensure the safety of the Japanese homeland. They were keenly aware that they lacked resources and manpower necessary to win a protracted war of attrition against the US, and sought to overcome this disadvantage through these decisive actions. Between Pearl Harbor and May 1942, the Japanese were largely successful. Their empire now encompassed lands from the Dutch East Indies to the Soloman Islands, and from the Gilbert Islands up to Wake Island. This included Korea, Manchuria, Hong Kong, and much of South East Asia as well. While many hard fought battles were waged over these places, the US and their allies were more often than not defeated. Manila, Hong Kong, and Bataan being among those defeats Spurred on by these gains and an American strike against the Japanese Homeland in the Doolitle Raid, the Japanese Empire sought to solidify their position and erect their “barrier” strategy. The island of Midway was a integral part of completing this