The Battle Digest summary includes all the key aspects of the campaign and battle, including maps, images, and lessons learned. After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it seemed nothing could stop Japanese offensive momentum in the Pacific. A string of victories and territorial conquests fueled optimism and confidence throughout Japan. But the U.S. Pacific Fleet was still a problem they had to solve. To complete its destruction and prevent further interference with Japan’s expansion plans, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto devised a plan to surprise U.S. forces by seizing Midway ‒ key strategic terrain that Japanese naval leaders were certain the U.S. would contest. The plan was designed to force the weakened U.S. fleet into battle.
