The Battle of Midway was a crucial naval battle fought between the United States and Japan during World War II in June 1942. It took place near the Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean and was a turning point in the war. The U.S. Navy, having broken Japanese codes, was able to anticipate the attack and prepare a surprise counteroffensive. In just a few days, American forces sank four Japanese aircraft carriers, significantly weakening Japan's naval power. This victory boosted American morale and shifted the balance of power in the Pacific, marking the beginning of a series of successful U.S. offensives against Japan.