What is known as the largest naval battle in WWII history?

The largest naval battle in World War II history is the Battle of Leyte Gulf. This battle, which took place from October 23 to 26, 1944, involved multiple naval forces and was significant for its scale and complexity. Leyte Gulf saw the Allied fleets, primarily the United States Navy, engaged against the Imperial Japanese Navy in an extensive operation that was pivotal in reclaiming the Philippines and marked the beginning of the end for Japanese naval power.

The significance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf lies not just in its size, as it involved several major engagements and a wide array of ships, including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers, but also in its strategic outcomes. It was one of the last major fleet actions of the war and showcased the effective use of aircraft carriers in naval warfare, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for the Allies.

The other battles listed, such as the Battle of Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, and Battle of Philippine Sea, were indeed crucial and significant in their own right, but they did not match the scale or impact of Leyte Gulf in terms of naval action and the number of forces involved.