Watch Battle of Midway: The True Story

In the early days of June 1942, the United States and Japan faced off in what is still considered one of the most significant naval engagements of World War II - the Battle of Midway. This showdown, over control of a tiny atoll in the middle of the Pacific, would change the course of the war in the Pacific and establish the supremacy of the United States Navy in the region.

The Smithsonian Channel's Battle of Midway: The True Story takes viewers on a journey through this pivotal event, using stunning reenactments, expert analysis, and rare archival footage to present a complete picture of the battle and its significance.

The show begins by highlighting the precarious position the United States found itself in following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese just six months earlier. With many of their battleships in ruins and their morale shaken, the U.S. Navy scrambled to rebuild and reposition their forces to defend against further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Japanese continued to expand their empire in the Pacific, invading islands and building bases from which they could launch more attacks. Their ultimate goal was to lure the U.S. Navy into a decisive engagement and knock them out of the war.

The Battle of Midway, then, was a high-stakes confrontation between two determined foes. The Japanese sent a massive armada, led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, to take the island of Midway and secure a strategic position in the middle of the Pacific. They expected the U.S. Navy to come to them, and they had a plan to trap them when they did.

But the Americans had an intelligence advantage, thanks to a team of codebreakers who had deciphered Japanese messages and knew of their plans. This allowed Admiral Chester Nimitz to prepare an ambush of his own, setting a trap for the Japanese forces that would ultimately lead to their defeat.

The show brings this complex story to life through vivid reenactments and interviews with experts in naval history and strategy. Viewers will see the tense moments leading up to the battle, as both sides carefully positioned their forces and strategized their next moves. They'll witness the chaos of the battle itself, as planes screech overhead and ships and submarines engage in a deadly dance in the waters below. And they'll see the aftermath, as the Japanese forces retreat in defeat and the U.S. Navy solidifies its position in the Pacific.

Throughout the show, experts provide insightful commentary on the significance of the battle and its lasting impact. Viewers will learn about the key players on both sides and the strategies they employed, as well as the key moments that turned the tide of the battle. They'll gain a detailed understanding of the weapons and technology used in the battle, as well as the human cost of the conflict.

Overall, Battle of Midway: The True Story offers a fascinating and compelling portrait of one of the most important naval battles in history. This program is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in military history or World War II, or for anyone who enjoys thrilling and dramatic tales of courage, strategy, and heroism on the high seas.

Battle of Midway: The True Story is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 11, 2019 and on Smithsonian Channel