Background of Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal event in World War II. It was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack led to the United States’ entry into the war, changing the course of history.

The base at Pearl Harbor was a significant strategic location for the U.S. Navy, serving as a hub for Pacific operations. It was home to a large number of battleships, aircraft carriers, and other naval assets. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a direct assault on American soil, marking the first time the U.S. had been attacked by a foreign power since the War of 1812.

The Attack

The attack began at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian time. A total of 353 Japanese aircraft, including fighter planes, dive bombers, and torpedoes, were involved in the attack. They were launched from six aircraft carriers that had been positioned about 200 miles north of Oahu, the island where Pearl Harbor is located.

The Japanese forces targeted key facilities at Pearl Harbor, including battleships, aircraft carriers, and military aircraft. The attack lasted approximately two hours, resulting in significant damage. The USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, and USS Nevada were among the battleships that were sunk or severely damaged.

Battleships	Status
USS Arizona	Sunk
USS Oklahoma	Sunk
USS California	Severely damaged
USS West Virginia	Severely damaged
USS Nevada	Severely damaged

Casualties and Aftermath

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, including civilians and military personnel. Another 1,178 were wounded. The attack was a devastating blow to the U.S. Navy, but it also galvanized the nation. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, declaring December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States’ declaration of war against Japan on December 8, 1941. This declaration was followed by declarations of war against Japan by the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The United States entered World War II as a full participant, joining the Allies in their fight against the Axis powers.

Japanese Motives

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was driven by a combination of strategic and political factors. The Japanese Empire had been expanding its influence in East Asia, and it viewed the U.S. as a major obstacle to its ambitions. The U.S. had imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an oil embargo, which severely impacted Japan’s ability to sustain its war effort.

The Japanese believed that a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent the U.S. from interfering with Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia. The attack was intended to be a pre-emptive strike, but it failed to achieve its objectives. The U.S. Pacific Fleet was able to recover and play a crucial role in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Legacy of Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor remains a defining moment in American history. It has had a lasting impact on the nation’s psyche and its foreign policy. The attack led to the creation of the National Pearl Harbor Survivors’ Association, which provides support to survivors and their families. The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day.

The attack on Pearl Harbor also had a profound impact on the global stage. It