what would have happened if the Japanese won the battle of midway?
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway
The question is -- what do YOU think?
I think the Japanese would have still lost because they knew the US navy was too powerful which is why they launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor knowing the US was unprepared for war.
I agree.
If the Japanese had won the Battle of Midway during World War II, it would have significantly changed the course of the war in the Pacific. Here's an explanation of the historical background and factors involved in the Battle of Midway:
The Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a naval battle between the United States and the Empire of Japan. It took place near the Midway Atoll, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. At that time, Japan had already launched successful offensives in the Pacific, and the Battle of Midway was a crucial turning point.
The Japanese objective in the battle was to eliminate the United States' aircraft carriers and gain control of Midway to establish a defensive perimeter in the Pacific. The U.S., however, had broken the Japanese naval codes and had prior knowledge of the attack.
Now, let's consider what might have happened if the Japanese had won the Battle of Midway:
1. Devastation of U.S. Aircraft Carriers: If the Japanese had succeeded in destroying the American carriers, it would have severely crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet's ability to project naval power in the region. The loss of these carriers would have significantly hindered the U.S.'s capability to counter Japanese expansion.
2. Strengthened Japanese Position: A Japanese victory at Midway would have boosted their morale, further consolidating their control in the Pacific. It might have encouraged them to continue their expansion plans into the Pacific, putting them in a stronger position strategically.
3. Challenged U.S. Naval Superiority: With the loss of carriers at Midway, the U.S. naval arsenal and capabilities would have been disrupted. This could have had a demoralizing effect on the American forces and could have potentially emboldened the Japanese to challenge U.S. naval superiority even further.
4. Extended War in the Pacific: If the Japanese had won at Midway, the war in the Pacific would have likely been prolonged. The United States would have had to rebuild its naval forces, regain control of the Pacific theater, and possibly launch offensive operations against Japanese-held territories.
5. Uncertain Outcome: It is important to note that even if the Japanese had won the Battle of Midway, there is no guarantee that they would have ultimately won the war. The U.S. had significant industrial and logistical advantages, which would have aided a sustained counteroffensive.
While it is difficult to predict the exact chain of events and the ultimate outcome, it is clear that a Japanese victory at the Battle of Midway would have significantly altered the course of World War II in the Pacific.