Naval technology has evolved at a rapid pace. In this essay we will compare the difference in tactics and technology utilized by navies in history. To effectively determine the changes we will be evaluating two of the most famous and important battles in history. The battle of Trafalgar (1805) and the Battle of Midway (1942). Both of these battles are of significant importance to their respective navies histories are also characterised as events which changed the course of a war. The battle of trafalgar effectively saved endured that an invasion of the British Mainland would not take place. Similarly the battle of midway is categorized as the battle which ended japanese aggression in the region- subjecting the japanese navy to a …show more content…
During the battle Admiral “Bull” Halsey led 3 aircraft carriers against a force of 4 carriers led by Admiral Yamamoto. While there were numerous other ships and vessels involved they are all of negligible importance. The battle of Midway was the first battle in which opposing ships did not even see each other. Rather than fight with guns and cold steel as done during Trafalgar rather during midway were aeroplanes and radar were used to wreak havoc on the Japanese. Significant changes in communications ment that no longer did messages have to be seen with the eye. Communications technologies such as radio, and telegraph enabled admirals to communicate instantly- anywhere. Prior to the battle the U.S navy had decoded japanese Naval codes. This allowed the Admiral Halsey to know where the japanese fleet was, a luxury the Japanese did not have. It is this difference in communication which enabled the american victory. Through a breakthrough in communications Americans were able to pinpoint enemy ships and coordinate multiple aerial attacks. Evolutions in communications technologies and the reliability of such systems allowed unparalleled success for the american