Objective 6.5 -- The Day of Infamy (The Attack on Pearl Harbor)

Summary

The transcript recounts the events leading up to and following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Japan, facing economic sanctions from the United States, launched a surprise assault on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, targeting battleships, aircraft carriers, and airfields. Despite the devastation and loss of life, the U.S. was able to recover due to the survival of its aircraft carriers. The attack spurred the United States into war, marking a turning point in WWII. Japanese Admiral Yamamoto’s words reflect the gravity of their actions, fearing they had awakened a determined giant.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States imposed economic sanctions on Japan in 1941, cutting off oil exports in response to Japan's imperial military actions in Asia.
• 😀 Japan's two main options were to either back down and negotiate peace to restore oil trade with the U.S., or to attack European colonies for vital resources.
• 😀 In an attempt to negotiate peace, Japan sent a convoy to Washington, D.C., while secretly preparing for war under the leadership of Hideki Tojo.
• 😀 Japan planned a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with a primary focus on the battleships, aircraft carriers, and aircraft stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
• 😀 Japanese pilots practiced for months, targeting American battleships and airfields to achieve maximum destruction during the surprise attack.
• 😀 Despite intelligence intercepts indicating an imminent attack, the U.S. was unprepared for the exact location and timing of the attack, which took place on the morning of December 7th, 1941.
• 😀 The Japanese launched two waves of attacks, causing massive damage to the U.S. Navy, killing nearly 2400 American servicemen and crippling the Pacific Air Force.
• 😀 The U.S. aircraft carriers were out at sea and spared from the attack, which would later prove crucial in the U.S. Navy's recovery and success in the Pacific theater.
• 😀 The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal event that united the American people, fueling their resolve to enter World War II and fight for victory.
• 😀 Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto famously expressed concern, stating that Japan had awakened a 'sleeping giant' in the United States, foreseeing the devastating resolve of the American military.

Q & A

What was the reason behind the United States imposing economic sanctions on Japan in 1941?

The United States imposed economic sanctions on Japan in 1941 as a response to Japan's military takeover of Asian colonies. The sanctions, particularly the cutting off of oil exports to Japan, were meant to punish Japan and limit its military expansion.

What were Japan's two options after the United States cut off oil exports?

Japan's two options were: 1) To back down and attempt to reestablish oil trade with the United States, or 2) To attack European colonies in the Dutch East Indies, which were rich in oil, in order to continue their military conquests.

What was Japan's main target in the United States during the Pacific conflict?

Japan's main target was the US Pacific Fleet, specifically aiming to cripple or destroy the United States' battleships, aircraft carriers, and aircraft stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Why did the Japanese believe that a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would be effective?

The Japanese believed that a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would cripple the US Pacific Fleet by targeting its most vital assets—battleships, aircraft carriers, and aircraft—while rendering the American defenses ineffective.

How did the United States respond to the intelligence suggesting a potential attack from Japan in 1941?

Although the United States intercepted messages indicating an imminent attack, they were uncertain about the time and location. They needed Japan to attack first to justify a declaration of war, positioning Japan as the aggressor.

What happened during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Two waves of Japanese aircraft, including torpedo planes, dive bombers, and fighter planes, targeted battleships, aircraft, and airfields, leading to significant destruction and the loss of nearly 2400 American servicemen.

What strategic mistake did the Japanese make during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

The Japanese made a critical mistake by not targeting the US aircraft carriers, which were out to sea at the time. The aircraft carriers would later prove essential in the United States' naval strength during the Pacific War.

Why was the survival of the US aircraft carriers vital after the Pearl Harbor attack?

The survival of the US aircraft carriers was crucial because they were key to changing the course of naval warfare. The aircraft carriers were able to hold off the Japanese fleet and buy time for the repair and recovery of the US Pacific Fleet.

How did the United States react to the attack on Pearl Harbor?

The attack on Pearl Harbor became a rallying cry for the United States. Americans were devastated and furious, but they were also united and determined to fight back until victory was achieved.

What did Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto mean by 'I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant'?

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's statement reflected his concern that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor had provoked the United States, a powerful nation. He believed that the attack would awaken America's military might and resolve, leading to a determined and eventual victory for the US.