Which 1944 naval battle crippled Japanese naval power and aided Allied operations in the Philippines?

• A. The Battle of Coral Sea
• B. The Battle of Guadalcanal
• C. The Battle of Leyte Gulf
• D. The Battle of the Philippine Sea

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that a fleet action can decide who dominates the sea, which in turn makes major land campaigns possible. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Japan tried to stop the Allied invasion of the Philippines, but the engagement resulted in a crushing blow to Japan’s remaining surface fleet. The loss of several capital ships and carriers left Japan unable to contest Allied sea power in the western Pacific. With their fleet crippled, the Allies could protect the Leyte landings and push on with the liberation of the Philippines. Other 1944 battles dealt heavy damage, but Leyte Gulf is the turning point that most directly enabled the Philippine operations by breaking Japan’s ability to wage large-scale fleet actions.