Essay Instructions: Need a total of 8 sources (at least 3 primary)
paper must have some citations included in text, along with quotes and paraphrasing.
No title page
works cited in MLA
Below is annotated bib. If you could use a some of the sources that would be grand.
THESIS: The American victory at the Battle of Midway proved to be a turning point in the war against the Japanese Empire by restoring American naval supremacy in the Pacific Ocean.
ABSTRACT: The Battle of Midway, a naval battle fought near the Central Pacific island of Midway, was the most important victory for the United States in World War 2. Before this battle Japanese forces were on the offensive, gradually capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. Japan was now the dominant naval force after severely damaging the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the attack of Pearl Harbor six months prior. Japan was convinced that they were now in position to expand their empire in the Pacific, and Midway was the next strategic move. By capturing Midway the Japanese planned to use the island as an advance base, and hoped to further decimate the U.S. Pacific Fleet into eventual surrender. However, successful American communication intelligence resulted in breaking codes that provided crucial information on Japan's strategy to attack Midway. Being prepared for the conflict the U.S. Pacific Fleet were able to surprise Japan by being in position prior to the strike. This resulted in the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers, while losing only one carrier of their own. By successfully defending Midway, and by essentially wiping out the air power of the Japanese Fleet, the U.S were able to regain Naval supremacy in the Pacific and focus their attention on the Europe-first strategy to eliminate the advance of the Third Reich in the European theater of the war.
Basically, the paper is a historical analysis of the Battle of Midway, and its importance during WW2.
Bowen, James. Despite Pearl Harbor, America Adopts a 'Germany First' Strategy. n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2011.
The website article by James Bowen discusses how United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt was persuaded by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to adhere to the "Germany First" war strategy after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. The article explains that the "Germany First" war strategy was not announced to the American public because it would have been an admission that America's army in the Philippines and the U.S. Pacific Fleet would be abandoned to its fate in the event of a Japanese attack. The victory at the Battle of Midway was crucial in enabling Roosevelt to maintain full attention on both fronts of the war.
Buell, Thomas. The Quiet Warrior: A Biography of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance. Boston: Little, Brown, 1974. Print.
Admiral Raymond A. Spruance commanded US naval forces during the Battle of Midway. His leadership of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the battle resulted in sinking four Japanese Fleet carriers along with destroying 322 airplanes. Thomas Buell takes an in-depth look into Spruance's decision making at Midway. He also gives detailed insight of Spruance's take on the Battle.
Pearl Harbor to Midway. Dir. Edwin Newman. Atlas Video, 1989. Film.
Director Edwin Newman's film explains how the United States was caught by surprise on the morning of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the United States declaring war on Japan. After Pearl Harbor and the start of the war, the Japanese Navy continued on the offensive by gradually capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. The film details how the attack on Pearl Harbor severely damaged eighteen American warships, destroyed or damaged 347 aircraft, and left 2,403 dead on the ground. These American losses convinced Japan that they were in position to expand their empire further by attacking the island of Midway.
Prange, Gordon. Miracle at Midway. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1982. Print.
Gordon Prange's book gives eyewitness accounts from the men on both sides who fought in the Battle of Midway. It describes how crucial intelligence gathering by the U.S. Pacific Fleet was paramount to America's success in the battle. The narrative also recalls the action and shows
exactly how American strategies and decisions led to their surprising victory against the heavily favored Japanese Navy.
Till, Geoffrey. "MIDWAY: The Decisive Battle?." Naval History 19.5 (2005):32. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 24 Oct. 2011.
The article by Geoffrey Till focuses on the Battle of Midway as not being the turning point of the war in the Pacific Ocean that many deem it to be. Till explains his feelings on the subject by pointing to many underlying factors that would have still enabled the United States to achieve victory in the Pacific, as well as an overall victory against the Japanese.
Tully, Anthony, and Jonathan Parshall. Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway. Virginia: Potamac Books, Inc, 2005. Print.
Authors Anthony Tully and Jonathan Parshall offer interpretation on the Battle of Midway from the Japanese perspective. The book highlights many of the mistakes made by the Japanese at Midway, and it also describes the state of the Japanese Navy after the conflict. This material provides insight into Japan's own documentation, and forces a controversial reevaluation of key events that took place during the battle.
