Japanese Surprise Attack

Definition

The Japanese Surprise Attack refers to the military strike executed by Japan on December 7, 1941, targeting the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This sudden assault aimed to incapacitate the U.S. Pacific Fleet, thereby allowing Japan to secure its territorial expansion in the Pacific without immediate interference from the U.S. It was a pivotal moment in World War II that transformed American public opinion and led to the U.S. formally entering the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, with nearly 1,200 wounded, making it one of the deadliest attacks on American soil at that time.
2. Eight battleships were sunk or heavily damaged during the attack, along with numerous aircraft destroyed or rendered inoperative.
3. The surprise attack aimed to eliminate U.S. naval power in the Pacific, allowing Japan to expand its empire throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands without immediate resistance.
4. In response to the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, leading Congress to declare war on Japan on December 8, 1941.
5. The event galvanized American public sentiment against Japan and unified the nation, significantly boosting enlistment numbers for military service.

Review Questions

• How did the Japanese Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor alter American public perception and military strategy?
  • The Japanese Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor shifted American public perception from isolationism to a resolve for involvement in World War II. The attack served as a wake-up call that underscored the real threat posed by Axis powers. In military strategy, it prompted an immediate focus on rebuilding and reinforcing the U.S. Navy's presence in the Pacific and led to large-scale mobilization for war.
• Discuss the immediate consequences of the Japanese Surprise Attack on both Hawaii and mainland America.
  • The immediate consequences of the Japanese Surprise Attack included widespread destruction at Pearl Harbor, including significant loss of life and naval assets. For Hawaii, it meant a heightened military presence and increased security measures. On the mainland, it led to panic and fear of further attacks, resulting in policies such as Executive Order 9066 that authorized Japanese internment camps across the United States.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Japanese Surprise Attack on U.S.-Japan relations post-World War II.
  • The Japanese Surprise Attack had profound long-term implications for U.S.-Japan relations following World War II. Initially characterized by animosity and mistrust, relations began to shift dramatically in the years after the war ended. The U.S. helped Japan rebuild its economy and establish a democratic government through initiatives like the Marshall Plan. Over time, this laid the foundation for a strong alliance between both countries, highlighting how historical conflicts can evolve into cooperative relationships based on mutual interests.

Related terms

Pearl Harbor:

A U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, which was the site of the Japanese surprise attack that led to significant loss of life and damage to the Pacific Fleet.

World War II: A global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations, including major powers divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.

Executive Order 9066:

An executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942 that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II due to fears of espionage and sabotage.