Turning Points Flashcards
(5 cards)
intro
ormed part of a sequence of interrelated battles within a broader ‘watershed period’ that ultimately enabled the United States to seize and retain the strategic initiative against Japan.
Midway was described as “the first irreversible victory won by Allied arms in the Second World War” (Willmott)—and it directly influenced subsequent campaigns such as Guadalcanal
Nevertheless, it was at Guadalcanal that a decisive and sustained shift occurred, marking the end of Japanese hopes to resist continued U.S. offensives in the South Pacific.
Although not as individually pivotal, the Battles of Coral Sea and New Guinea also held considerable strategic relevance, collectively weakening Japanese military capacity and consolidating Allied momentum
Midway
“First decisive defeat suffered by the Japanese Navy in 350 years.”
Japan lost 4 aircraft carriers; US lost 1.
compounded by the US’ superior industrial capacity, producing 24 carriers in the time it took Japan to produce 3.
Japan also lost 110 elite IJN pilots and 271 aviation technicians, a vital loss of experience..
Fisher and Furney: “Without the old elite core, the Imperial Navy would lose the war in the Pacific.”
Pike: Allies “ increasingly dominate the pattern of engagement.”
Willmott: “Before Midway, the Japanese met nothing but victory… after, the Americans commanded only success.”
ended Japans 6 months of glory
Turning point, but part of a sequence within “watershed period” paving the way for future campaigns like Guadacanal
Guadalcanal
Described as part of the “watershed period” that consolidated Allied momentum through morale
Japan suffered 30,000 casualties, lost 65% of its aircraft, and 38 ships.
Overy: “In terms of pilots, Guadalcanal finished the carnage of Midway.”
Fisher and Furney: “Majority of US Navy was still unsure and untested.” after midway although Guadalcanal
Killed the “myth of the invincible Japanese army.” Fisher and Furney
Henderson Field capture = “The fulcrum on which the balance of power in the Pacific would rest” (Pike).
Secured aerial supremacy and supply routes to Australia.
facilitated MacArthur’s push from New Guinea to the Philippines, contributing to allied victory
therefore challenging notion midway was sole turning point of the war
Coral Sea
May 1942: First time Japan was denied a strategic objective (Port Moresby) within its goal of expansion of control in New Guinea
Not decisive, but “the end of the beginning” (U.S. Naval Historical Review).
3 Japanese carriers damaged, couldn’t fight at Midway.
Victory boosted Allied morale, stalled Japanese expansion.
Intelligence edge: By April 1942, 85% of Japanese naval codes decrypted.
Allowed Nimitz to position forces like the USS Lexington.
Demonstrated that codebreaking and technology would define the war.
Set up Midway’s success—part of the chain reaction.
New Guinea
Japan aimed to neutralise Australia and secure Port Moresby.
The New Guinea campaign was Japan’s
attempt to limit the ability of the United States to use Australia as a base from which to conduct their
offensive
wanted to capture Port Moresby, a vital airstrip that would allow Japan to conduct air raids on Australia’s east cost and therefore threaten the sea lanes between Australia and America.
Victory preserved supply corridors and ensured Australia’s role as a launch base for US.
allowed RAAF and US forces coordinated to destroy Co-Prosperity Strongholds using Port Moresby Airfield.
allowed for the Allies to strengthen their grip in the Pacific
Though “less recognised,” it was a critical link in the strategic chain
