Pearl Harbor

Definition

Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, famously known for the surprise military attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941. This pivotal event led to the United States' formal entry into World War II, dramatically shifting the course of the conflict and marking a significant turning point in U.S. military involvement on the global stage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred early in the morning and involved over 350 Japanese aircraft, resulting in the destruction of nearly 20 American naval vessels and over 300 airplanes.
2. The event led to the death of more than 2,400 Americans, making it one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. soil at that time.
3. In response to the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941, as 'a date which will live in infamy' and asked Congress for a declaration of war against Japan.
4. The attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized American public opinion and ended years of isolationist sentiment in the U.S., uniting the country behind the war effort.
5. Pearl Harbor served as a catalyst for the U.S. to forge alliances with other nations, such as Britain and China, against the Axis Powers.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change public opinion in the United States regarding involvement in World War II?
  • Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Americans supported isolationism and were reluctant to become involved in international conflicts. The surprise attack shifted public opinion dramatically, as it united the nation in outrage and a desire for retaliation. The attack was seen as a direct threat to national security, prompting widespread support for entering World War II and mobilizing resources for war efforts.
• Discuss the immediate military and strategic consequences of the Pearl Harbor attack for both Japan and the United States.
  • The immediate military consequence of the Pearl Harbor attack was that it severely damaged the U.S. Pacific Fleet, but it did not destroy key assets like aircraft carriers that were not present during the attack. For Japan, while they achieved tactical success by crippling American naval power temporarily, they also awakened a sleeping giant—prompting a determined response from the United States. Strategically, it shifted U.S. military focus from defensive operations to aggressive warfare against Japan and solidified alliances with other Allied powers.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Pearl Harbor on U.S. foreign policy after World War II.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor had profound long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy after World War II. It marked a shift from isolationism to a more interventionist stance, as the U.S. took an active role in global affairs during the Cold War. The need for military readiness became paramount, leading to significant defense spending and alliances like NATO. Additionally, Pearl Harbor set a precedent for intelligence failures that prompted reforms within U.S. military and intelligence agencies to prevent similar surprises in the future.

Related terms

Axis Powers: The coalition of countries led by Germany, Italy, and Japan that fought against the Allies during World War II.

Doolittle Raid: A significant American air raid on Tokyo and other locations in Japan conducted in April 1942, serving as retaliation for Pearl Harbor.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy approach adopted by the United States prior to World War II, characterized by a reluctance to engage in international conflicts.