Origins of the Battle
Before the Battle of Midway occurred, Japan held naval superiority over the United States and was generally able to control all naval battles. However, the naval battle at Midway allowed the Japanese to realize that the United States was making improvements in naval warfare and quickly catching up.
In 1942, the Japanese combined fleet commander, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, moved to the Midway Islands in attempts to draw out and destroy U.S. forces. The reason behind this plan was to destroy U.S. forces that had previously embarrassed the Japanese Navy in the Doolittle Raid and Battle at Coral Sea. Yamamoto’s plan was to quickly knock down Midways defenses and establish a Japanese air base. His expectation was that American forces would arrive too late and too weak to take on his forces and that he would gain control over the Pacific. His plan failed when American communications intelligence heard of it and began planning an ambush. The plan was to be carried out on June 4, 1942.
In 1942, the Japanese combined fleet commander, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, moved to the Midway Islands in attempts to draw out and destroy U.S. forces. The reason behind this plan was to destroy U.S. forces that had previously embarrassed the Japanese Navy in the Doolittle Raid and Battle at Coral Sea. Yamamoto’s plan was to quickly knock down Midways defenses and establish a Japanese air base. His expectation was that American forces would arrive too late and too weak to take on his forces and that he would gain control over the Pacific. His plan failed when American communications intelligence heard of it and began planning an ambush. The plan was to be carried out on June 4, 1942.
Doolittle Raid and Battle of Coral Sea
The Doolittle Raid and Battle of Coral Sea were two events that left Japan very angry and wanting revenge against the United States. The Doolittle Raid was a surprise attack on Japan as they advanced in the Pacific. This Raid was the first U.S. attack on Japans mainland in retaliation of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This Raid destroyed many of Japans forces and boosted American morale, which was in much despair at the time. The Battle of Coral Sea was also very important because it was the first time that Japanese forces had been turned back by Allied forces. This battle also destroyed Japanese naval ships which prevented them from fighting in the Battle of Midway. These two battles laid a foundation for the Battle of Midway.