Question

1. In the summer of 1942, the United States began fighting a different kind of war in the Pacific than it had been fighting up to that point. Military leaders had decided to change their strategy. Describe the kind of war America had been fighting from December 1941 to the summer of 1942, and then describe the new strategy. Include the name of the battle that marked the turning point between the two strategies.

Answer 1

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, and until the summer of 1942 the United States and its military strategy were forced into a defensive position by the Japanese naval forces. All military forces under the control of American commanders, including General Douglas Macarthur, faced an aggressive and strategic Japanese force which ultimately saw the surrender of the Philippines.

However, the Battle of Midway which took place in June 1942 was a turning point in the war in the Pacific. The American forces were able to destroy large numbers of aircraft and personnel, effectively limiting the air capabilities of the Japanese. This victory also opened the main military path to the mainland of Japan, a strategic military goal of American forces.

- from another post, by arizonagal24 : I just highlighted the important information so it is easier to understand :)

Answer 2

The Japanese reached Guadalcanal in May 1942. When the allied forces spotted construction of an airfield on Guadalcanal, It was one of the most hotly contested campaigns for control of the ground, sea and skies of the war. Guadalcanal became a major turning-point in the war as it stopped Japanese expansion.

-Wikepedia

This should answer all your questions. I hope it helped. Have a great night!