key term - Pearl Harbor

Definition

Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, famously attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. This surprise military strike led to the United States' entry into World War II, marking a pivotal moment in both American history and the global conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor involved more than 350 Japanese aircraft and resulted in the sinking or damaging of numerous U.S. battleships and aircraft.
2. This event led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to declare December 7, 1941, as 'a date which will live in infamy,' rallying the American public for war.
3. Prior to the attack, many Americans supported isolationism, but Pearl Harbor dramatically shifted public opinion towards entering World War II.
4. In response to the attack, the U.S. Congress declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, officially entering World War II.
5. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. military preparedness and led to significant changes in defense policies and strategies.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor shift American public opinion about entering World War II?
  • Before Pearl Harbor, many Americans favored isolationism and were reluctant to engage in foreign conflicts. The surprise attack changed this sentiment dramatically, as it provoked a strong emotional response and a sense of urgency among the populace. Following the attack, public opinion rallied around supporting military action against Japan, leading to a swift declaration of war by Congress just a day later.
• Discuss the significance of Pearl Harbor in terms of its impact on U.S. foreign policy during and after World War II.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor marked a turning point for U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to active involvement in global affairs. It propelled the United States into World War II as an Allied power and fundamentally changed its military strategy, leading to increased investment in defense and international alliances. The consequences extended beyond the war itself, as America emerged as a leading world power post-war, reshaping its role in international relations.
• Evaluate how Pearl Harbor influenced the dynamics of global conflict during World War II and its aftermath.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor significantly altered global conflict dynamics by bringing the United States fully into World War II, bolstering Allied forces against Axis powers. This entry shifted the balance of power due to America's industrial capacity and military resources. In the aftermath, it led to America's emergence as a superpower and an architect of post-war order through institutions like the United Nations, influencing international politics for decades to come.

Related terms

Japanese Imperialism: The aggressive expansion of Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which included territorial conquests in Asia and the Pacific.

World War II:

A global conflict from 1939 to 1945 involving most of the world's nations, divided into the Allies and the Axis powers, with significant battles and events affecting international relations.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy stance adopted by the United States in the interwar period, characterized by a reluctance to engage in international conflicts or alliances.