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 in Hawaii 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 and significantly influenced Japan's expanding empire in Asia by escalating military confrontations in the Pacific.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack resulted in the sinking or damaging of eight battleships, three cruisers, and four destroyers, along with the destruction of nearly 200 aircraft.
2. The surprise nature of the attack was due to intelligence failures and underestimations of Japanese capabilities and intentions.
3. Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7th a 'date which will live in infamy' and called for a declaration of war against Japan.
4. The attack unified American public opinion in favor of entering World War II and led to a significant mobilization of resources for the war effort.
5. Japan aimed to cripple U.S. naval power in the Pacific to secure its dominance in Asia, ultimately believing that this would deter American interference in its expansionist policies.

Review Questions

• How did the Attack on Pearl Harbor shift public opinion in the United States regarding involvement in World War II?
  • The Attack on Pearl Harbor dramatically shifted public opinion in the United States from isolationism to a strong desire to engage in World War II. Prior to the attack, many Americans were reluctant to get involved in foreign conflicts; however, the unexpected and devastating nature of the attack galvanized public sentiment. This unity and outrage prompted President Roosevelt to seek a declaration of war against Japan, marking a significant turning point in American foreign policy.
• Evaluate the strategic objectives Japan hoped to achieve through the Attack on Pearl Harbor and how these objectives aligned with its broader expansionist goals in Asia.
  • Japan's strategic objectives during the Attack on Pearl Harbor included crippling U.S. naval power in the Pacific and securing dominance over Southeast Asia's resources. By inflicting severe damage on the American fleet, Japan aimed to create a buffer zone for its military operations and prevent U.S. interference with its expansionist ambitions. This aggressive tactic was intended to allow Japan to consolidate its territorial gains without immediate American retaliation, thus aligning with its broader goals of regional supremacy.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of the Attack on Pearl Harbor for both Japan's military strategy and the subsequent course of World War II.
  • The Attack on Pearl Harbor had significant long-term consequences for both Japan and World War II as a whole. In the immediate aftermath, while Japan achieved tactical success, it ultimately underestimated American industrial capacity and resolve. The attack galvanized U.S. military mobilization, leading to major Allied victories in the Pacific Theater. Strategically, Japan’s overreach became evident as it struggled to maintain control over its expanded empire while facing relentless American counter-offensives, ultimately contributing to its defeat in 1945.

Related terms

Imperial Japan: The period during which Japan sought to expand its influence and territory through military conquests, notably throughout Asia and the Pacific.

World War II: A global conflict from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations, which was characterized by significant battles, including those in the Pacific Theatre.

Pacific Theater: The major theater of conflict during World War II in which Japan fought against the Allied forces, primarily the United States, across the Pacific Ocean.