Final answer:
The Battle of Midway is considered the turning point of the war in the Pacific, where American forces stopped the Japanese advance with a decisive air attack, sinking four Japanese carriers. This strategic victory marked a shift in power and initiated the 'island-hopping' offensive towards Japan. The correct answer is C. Battle of Midway.
Step-by-step explanation:
Battle of Midway: The Pacific Turning Point
The Battle of Midway is widely considered the turning point in the war in the Pacific during World War II when American forces halted the Japanese advance. In June 1942, the United States delivered a surprise air attack on the Japanese fleet as it approached Midway Island. Due to successful code-breaking, US forces were forewarned of the Japanese attack plan. During this pivotal battle, the US sunk four Japanese aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu—while only losing one carrier, the USS Yorktown. This significant defeat inflicted on the Japanese Navy curtailed its capacity for offensive operations and they could not rebuild at the pace the US could, marking a shift in the balance of naval power in favor of the Allies.
The success of US naval forces at Midway showcased the critical importance of aircraft carriers in the Pacific Theater and led to a strategic initiative known as "island-hopping." This approach involved capturing key islands to build airfields and advance toward Japan. While the Allied forces faced numerous challenges, the victory at Midway provided the necessary momentum for the subsequent offensives across the Pacific, drawing the US forces ever closer to the Japanese home islands.
Therefore, in the context of the student's question, the correct option is C. Battle of Midway.