During World War II, the U.S. military made significant contributions in the Pacific theater, particularly through major battles such as Midway, Guadalcanal, and the campaigns in the Philippines. The U.S. employed a strategy of island hopping, capturing key islands to strategically move closer to Japan. The use of advanced technology, such as aircraft carriers and naval aviation, was crucial in these operations. The culmination of military efforts led to the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively bringing an end to the war. These contributions significantly influenced the post-war balance of power and U.S. military strategy.