Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:03:48-4:04:42

Delaying Midway gives the Essex program time to mature

Time favours the United States because Essex-class production is accelerating, so delay sacrifices Japan's brief chance to fight before American carrier strength expands.

Battle Of MidwayBattle of the Coral SeaEssex Class Aircraft CarriersImperial Japanese NavyIndustrial MobilisationPacific War
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Question

What if Japan postponed the Midway operation until it had sunk more US carriers?

Short answer

Time favours the United States because Essex-class production is accelerating, so delay sacrifices Japan's brief chance to fight before American carrier strength expands.

Notes

Postponing Midway because too few US carriers have been sunk leaves Japan facing a growing American force. Essex-class carriers are expected to arrive in increasing numbers in the following years. Winning Coral Sea and Midway is presented as Japan's opportunity to act before that buildup becomes overwhelming. Waiting would leave Japan less able to win the later carrier battles.