Pearl Harbor: What happened?

Summary

On December 7th, 1941, Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the US into WWII. President Roosevelt's 'day of infamy' speech rallied the nation. The US Pacific Fleet suffered heavy losses with 2,400 Americans killed. Key battles like the Guadalcanal campaign ensued. The war ended with the US dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing massive civilian casualties. The 75th anniversary honored the fallen, including the USS Arizona's 1,177 crew members, marking a pivotal moment in global history.

Takeaways

• ⏳ On December 7th, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
• 🔥 This attack led to the United States' entry into World War II the following day.
• 🗣️ President Roosevelt addressed Congress, referring to December 7th as 'a date which will live in infamy'.
• 🛡️ The US was unprepared and suffered a significant loss of life, with approximately 2,400 Americans killed.
• 💥 The Pacific Fleet was heavily damaged, unable to mount effective resistance initially.
• 🔍 The US declared war on Japan on December 8th, 1941, and began efforts to defeat the enemy.
• 🌋 The Battle of Guadalcanal was a significant strategic victory for the US and its allies.
• 💣 The war concluded with the US dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing massive civilian casualties.
• 🕊️ December 7th, 75 years after the attack, US veterans honored the fallen at Pearl Harbor.
• 📜 The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the 1,177 officers and crew who died when the ship sank during the attack.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on December 7th, 1941?

On December 7th, 1941, Japanese planes launched a surprise attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

How did the attack on Pearl Harbor impact the United States?

The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering World War II, as it was a sudden and deliberate attack by the Empire of Japan.

What did President Roosevelt say about December 7th, 1941?

President Roosevelt referred to December 7th, 1941, as 'a date which will live in infamy' in his address to Congress the following day.

What measures did President Roosevelt take after the attack?

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, President Roosevelt directed that all measures be taken for defense.

What was the loss of life from the Pearl Harbor attack?

Approximately 2,400 Americans were killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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

The United States declared war on Tokyo on December 8th, 1941, and began efforts to defeat the enemy.

What was the significance of the Guadalcanal campaign?

The Guadalcanal campaign of 1942 and 1943 was a significant strategic victory for the Americans and allies over the Japanese.

What were the consequences of the US Atomic Bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The US Atomic Bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and marked the final chapter in the confrontation between the United States and Imperial Japan.

How did the Pearl Harbor attack change America?

The attack on Pearl Harbor changed America forever by summoning the might, courage, and compassion of the American people to a World War.

What is commemorated by the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor?

The USS Arizona Memorial honors the USS Arizona, which sank with 1,177 officers and crew on board, and lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.

What was the significance of the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack?

On the 75th anniversary of the attack, US veterans honored fallen comrades who perished in Pearl Harbor, recognizing the attack as a turning point in global history.