Written by Background: Throughout the 1930s, Japan expanded its empire throughout East Asia and the Pacific, seeking natural resources and territory. As Japan invaded China and other areas, the United States, along with other Western nations, grew increasingly concerned and imposed economic sanctions. The U.S. froze Japanese assets and placed an embargo on oil shipments, a vital resource for Japan’s war efforts. Tensions escalated, and the Japanese government saw the U.S. as a major obstacle to achieving its imperial ambitions.
What Happened: On December 7, 1941, at approximately 7:55 AM local time, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The meticulously planned assault involved six aircraft carriers and over 350 aircraft, including bombers, torpedo planes, and fighters. The Japanese struck in two waves, targeting battleships, airfields, and other military installations. The attack lasted for around two hours, and its intensity caught the U.S. forces completely off guard. The damage was catastrophic: eight battleships were damaged or sunk, numerous other vessels were crippled, and over 180 aircraft were destroyed. The human cost was also enormous, with over 2,400 American servicemen and civilians killed and another 1,000 wounded. The attack was intended to cripple the Pacific Fleet, thereby preventing the U.S. from interfering with Japan’s plans for expansion in Southeast Asia. However, crucially, the U.S. aircraft carriers, which were out at sea during the attack, were unharmed. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy” as he addressed Congress the following day, urging them to declare war on Japan, which they did with overwhelming support.
Impact for the Future: The attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II, transforming it from a nation divided over the war to one fully committed to the fight. The U.S. quickly mobilized its military and industry, contributing significantly to the defeat of the Axis Powers. The attack marked the beginning of a new era in U.S. foreign policy, characterized by increased international engagement. The devastation of Pearl Harbor also led to the internment of Japanese Americans, a controversial policy that has since been acknowledged as a grave injustice.