BATTLE OF MIDWAY

JUNE 4-7 1942

WHAT LED UP TO THE BATTLE

• The attack on Pearl Harbor
• Japan wanted to eliminate the United States power in the Pacific
• U.S found out about Japan's plan and were ready for them

DETAILS

• American radio nets in the pacific picked up Japanese orders dispatched to prepare their forces for battle
• America attacked the Japanese carriers with dive bombers while they were refueling and repairing their planes.
• Japanese had no land-based air support while America had from Midway and Hawaii about 115 land based planes

PRIMARY SOURCE QUOTE
"We have made substantial progress.." -Chief of Pacific fleet, Admiral Chester Nimitz

OUTCOME

• America won!
• Japanese lost 4 fleet carriers - the entire strength of the task force - with 322 aircraft and over 5,000 sailors and their heavy cruiser
• America lost 147 aircraft and more than 300 seamen

SIGNIFICANCE
Ended the threat of further Japanese invasions in the Pacific. Put Japan on the defensive.