During World War II, the Allies were able to go on the offensive against Japan after the US won the Battle of Midway.
The Battle of Midway was a naval battle between the Japanese and the American Navy at the Midway Islands in the Second World War, that lasted from June 4 to June 7, 1942.
Both sides suffered significant losses. The Japanese lost four aircraft carriers, a heavy cruiser and some 240 aircraft, which greatly weakened the Imperial Japanese Navy, while the Americans lost only one aircraft carrier and one destroyer.
This battle became a major defeat for Japan and is considered one of the most important naval battles during World War II. It permanently weakened the Japanese fleet, both materially and by the loss of more than 200 experienced combat pilots. The US Navy could thus take the initiative in the Pacific War and start offensive operations.