Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Definition

Pearl Harbor is a natural harbor located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, known for being the site of the surprise military attack by Japan on December 7, 1941. This event marked a pivotal moment in World War II as it led to the United States formally entering the war, dramatically shifting the balance of power and altering global dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor involved over 350 Japanese aircraft, resulting in the sinking of four battleships and damaging several other vessels and aircraft.
2. Approximately 2,400 Americans were killed during the attack, including military personnel and civilians, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. soil at that time.
3. The surprise attack was a strategic move by Japan aimed at crippling the U.S. Pacific Fleet to prevent interference with its expansion plans in Southeast Asia.
4. In response to the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, calling for a declaration of war against Japan on December 8, 1941.
5. Pearl Harbor's attack united public opinion in the United States, leading to widespread support for entering World War II and mobilizing resources for the war effort.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change American public opinion about involvement in World War II?
  • Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Americans were isolationist and opposed to entering World War II. However, the surprise attack galvanized public sentiment, transforming views almost overnight. The emotional impact of the losses sustained led to a rallying cry for war, uniting citizens across different political and social spectrums in support of military action against Japan.
• Evaluate the strategic significance of Pearl Harbor in the broader context of World War II.
  • Pearl Harbor was strategically significant because it targeted the heart of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and aimed to delay American military response to Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia. The success of this surprise attack initially gave Japan a considerable advantage in the Pacific theater. However, it ultimately united American forces and resources against Japan, leading to significant victories such as Midway just months later, shifting the tide of war in favor of the Allies.
• Analyze how Pearl Harbor served as a catalyst for major changes in U.S. foreign policy and military strategy during World War II.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor served as a crucial turning point that reshaped U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to active engagement in global conflicts. In response, America rapidly mobilized its economy and military resources, leading to increased production of war materials and recruitment of soldiers. This shift also prompted significant military strategies like island hopping and establishing alliances with other Allied nations, fundamentally altering U.S. interactions on the global stage throughout World War II.

Related terms

Japanese Imperialism: A policy and ideology of expansion that led Japan to invade and occupy territories in East Asia and the Pacific during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

USS Arizona: A battleship of the United States Navy that was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in significant loss of life and becoming a symbol of American sacrifice.

War Powers Act: A legislative act that grants the President of the United States the authority to deploy military forces without a formal declaration of war from Congress, often used in response to events like Pearl Harbor.