Attack on pearl harbor

Definition

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. This pivotal event led to the United States' entry into World War II, marking a significant turning point in the conflict and altering the course of American military and foreign policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack involved over 350 Japanese aircraft, including bombers and fighters, resulting in significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with eight battleships sunk or damaged.
2. More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack, including military personnel and civilians, making it one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history at that time.
3. The day after the attack, December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, which led to a declaration of war against Japan by Congress.
4. Pearl Harbor was a key target due to its status as a major naval base and its proximity to Japan's desired territories in Southeast Asia.
5. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in a unification of American public opinion in favor of entering World War II, shifting from isolationism to active engagement.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor alter the public perception of U.S. involvement in World War II?
  • Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Americans favored isolationism and were reluctant to engage in World War II. However, after the surprise attack, public sentiment dramatically shifted towards supporting military involvement. The shock and loss experienced by the nation united citizens and political leaders around the necessity of responding to Japan's aggression, leading to an overwhelming support for war declarations against both Japan and its allies.
• What were the immediate military consequences of the attack on Pearl Harbor for both Japan and the United States?
  • The immediate consequence for Japan was a tactical victory, as they succeeded in crippling a significant portion of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. However, this victory was short-lived; while Japan managed to inflict substantial damage initially, it failed to destroy American aircraft carriers that were not in port during the attack. For the United States, although there was significant loss of life and equipment, it galvanized military efforts leading to rapid mobilization and strategic planning for retaliatory actions against Japan.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the attack on Pearl Harbor on U.S. military strategy and international relations post-World War II.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor fundamentally reshaped U.S. military strategy and international relations following World War II. In response to the aggression experienced at Pearl Harbor, the United States adopted a more proactive approach to foreign policy and military engagement around the world. The experience gained from fighting in the Pacific Theater informed future strategies during Cold War conflicts and established America as a dominant military power committed to intervening against perceived threats globally. Additionally, it solidified alliances with other nations and fostered a long-term commitment to international cooperation through organizations like NATO.

Related terms

Pacific Theater:

The Pacific Theater was a major front during World War II, characterized by military engagements between Allied forces, primarily the United States, and Japan across the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii's Strategic Importance: Hawaii served as a crucial strategic location for the U.S. military in the Pacific, acting as a base for naval operations and providing a waypoint for supply lines and troop movements.

Japanese Expansionism: Japanese Expansionism refers to Japan's imperialist policies in the early 20th century, aiming to extend its influence and territory throughout Asia and the Pacific.