Pearl Harbor

Definition

Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, known for the surprise military attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941. This attack led to significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and was a pivotal moment that galvanized the American public and resulted in the United States' formal entry into World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred early in the morning, catching American forces off guard and resulting in the sinking or damaging of eight battleships.
2. Over 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack, including military personnel and civilians, leading to a surge of patriotism and a unified call for war against Japan.
3. The day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech to Congress, urging them to declare war on Japan.
4. Pearl Harbor transformed American foreign policy from isolationism to active involvement in World War II, with widespread support for mobilizing troops and resources.
5. The attack prompted significant changes in U.S. military strategy, leading to increased focus on naval power and ultimately contributing to victories in the Pacific Theater.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change public opinion in the United States regarding involvement in World War II?
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor shifted public opinion dramatically from isolationism to overwhelming support for entering World War II. Before the attack, many Americans were reluctant to get involved in overseas conflicts, but the surprise assault galvanized a sense of urgency and patriotism. People rallied around the idea of defending their homeland, leading to an immediate enlistment surge in the military and widespread public support for war efforts.
• What were the immediate military consequences of the Pearl Harbor attack for the United States?
  • The immediate military consequences of the Pearl Harbor attack included significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with several battleships sunk or heavily damaged. The loss of aircraft and personnel also weakened U.S. military presence in the Pacific. However, aircraft carriers were not present during the attack and remained intact, allowing the U.S. Navy to recover more quickly than expected. This shift ultimately led to a reevaluation of U.S. naval strategy and an intensified focus on aircraft carrier operations.
• Evaluate how the Pearl Harbor attack influenced U.S. military strategy in World War II and its impact on global geopolitics post-war.
  • The Pearl Harbor attack fundamentally influenced U.S. military strategy during World War II by prompting a rapid increase in naval power and emphasizing air superiority as critical components of warfare. The United States shifted its focus towards defeating Japan in the Pacific, leading to significant victories at battles like Midway and Guadalcanal. Post-war, America's involvement marked a transition into a superpower role, impacting global geopolitics by establishing a military presence in Asia and shaping international relations during the Cold War.

Related terms

Japanese Imperial Navy: The naval branch of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces, responsible for conducting naval operations during World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.

War Declaration: An official statement by one nation to another that it is at war, which in this context refers to the U.S. Congress declaring war on Japan following the attack.

Mobilization: The process of assembling and preparing military forces for active service, which became crucial for the U.S. after the attack on Pearl Harbor.