Attack on Pearl Harbor

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Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory, on the morning of December 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States' formal entry into World War II the next day.

Background[edit | edit source]

The attack was intended as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Planning and Preparation[edit | edit source]

The Japanese military had been planning the attack for several months. The plan was conceived by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who believed that a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet would provide Japan with a strategic advantage. The attack force included six aircraft carriers, 353 aircraft, and numerous battleships, cruisers, and destroyers.

The Attack[edit | edit source]

The attack commenced at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time. The base was attacked by 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with four being sunk. All but the USS Arizona (BB-39) were later raised, and six were returned to service and went on to fight in the war. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were wounded.

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

The attack had significant consequences. It led to the United States' entry into World War II, with the U.S. declaring war on Japan on December 8, 1941. The attack also led to the internment of Japanese Americans and increased anti-Japanese sentiment in the United States.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The attack on Pearl Harbor is remembered as a pivotal moment in U.S. history. The site of the attack is now home to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated to the sailors and marines who lost their lives during the attack.