Essay On The Turning Point of the Pacific War

Resource Description

Midway: the Turning Point of the Pacific War

The Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, both were naval and air engagements that occurred months apart in 1942 (May and June respectively), have separately been labelled as the most significant turning point of the Pacific War. However, despite the Coral Sea’s significant impact on Japanese forces and prevention of Japan occupying Port Moresby, it should not be awarded the denotation of the most significant turning point. Rather, Midway had a greater impact on Japanese forces, their Pacific advancements, and World War II overall. Thus, exploring the significance of Midway provides evidence for the assertion that the Coral Sea was not the most significant turning point in the Pacific War.

Midway inflicted greater damages than the Coral Sea due to Japan’s ability to continue their offensive advantage over the allies through the losses suffered in both equipment and men. The Japanese suffered greater equipment losses than the United States, that due to their limited capacity for manufacture, they could not replace to a level that would make them competitive with the Allies once more. The losses of Japan were estimated to be hundreds of aircraft, four carriers, and one cruiser whilst the United States losses estimated to be one-hundred and forty-four aircraft, one carrier, and one destroyer. In contrast, the Coral Sea cost the Japanese ninety-two planes, one carrier, and one destroyer.