The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most significant moments in American and world history. This single event altered the course of World War II and had an enduring impact on global politics and military strategy.
When we think about the Japanese strike on the US Pacific Fleet, many of us know that it was a surprise attack, but it was also carefully planned by the Imperial Japanese military. By hitting this American military base, the Japanese hoped to prevent the US from interfering with their expansion in Southeast Asia. However, it ultimately backfired, leading to America’s entry into World War II. Let’s look closer at the Pearl Harbor attack timeline and the key things to know about its impact.
The Lead-Up to Pearl Harbor
By the late 1930s, tensions were escalating across the world, especially in Europe, as Nazi Germany expanded its territory and invaded other countries. Across the globe, in Asia, Japan was also seeking to expand its empire and establish dominance in the Pacific region. Due to their shared goals, Germany, Italy, and Japan teamed up to form the Axis Powers; in turn, Britain, France, Russia, and China formed the Allied powers to work against them.
On the other hand, the US maintained a neutral stance as an isolated country halfway around the world. While the United States didn’t join the combat at the start of World War II, the government did impose sanctions on Japan in the early 1940s to stop them from moving into French Indochina (modern-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia).
America Imposes Sanctions
These sanctions had a negative impact on Japan because they gave them less access to war essentials like oil and metal. At the same time, the US provided military support to China against Japan, leading to an increasingly tense relationship between Japan and the United States.
Japan’s Navy Sets a Plan
The Japanese government didn’t take America’s trade sanctions lightly and began to develop a plan to strike back at the US. It was clear that they needed to deal a major blow to the US.
On November 26, 1941, Admiral Chuichi Nagumo led the Imperial Japanese Air Fleet toward Pearl Harbor to carry out the planned attack. As the Japanese Navy left Japan, they followed a strict radio silence and maintained a low profile to avoid being detected by American forces.
Why Pearl Harbor?
Of all the American military bases, why would Japan single out Pearl Harbor? There are a few reasons. While this wasn’t America’s largest naval base, it housed most of its battleships. Pearl Harbor was also in Hawaii, a territory at the time and not yet a state.
The Day of the Attack
The most pivotal moment of the attack timeline occurred on December 7, 1941—the attack. At 7:55 a.m. local time, when the military personnel were still in their beds or getting ready for the day, a crowd of Japanese fighter planes launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
The attack unfolded in two devastating waves. The first wave included around 183 aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes, aiming to neutralize air defenses and destroy ships. The USS Arizona suffered a direct hit to its magazine, detonating with catastrophic force and claiming the lives of over 1,100 servicemen aboard. The USS Oklahoma capsized, and several other battleships sustained critical damage.
While the second wave was smaller than the first, it targeted the same areas to continue the devastating damage. The attacks devastated the harbor and left it engulfed in flames and chaos within hours. By the end of the attacks, over 20 naval ships, 300 planes, and 2,000 military personnel were lost.
The Days After the Attack
Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, America had been a relatively isolated nation. Most people didn’t expect an attack on US soil because we weren’t directly involved in World War II and instead were helping from the sidelines. Many Americans were shocked and outraged by the attack, which led to an immediate declaration of war against Japan.
The Day of Infamy Speech
President Franklin D. Roosevelt wasted no time addressing the nation and taking action. He delivered his Day of Infamy speech the day after the attack—December 8, 1941—in which he called for Congress to declare war on Japan. Congress responded with a unanimous declaration of war, and within days, Germany declared war on the US, effectively dragging America into World War II.
Impact on WWII
The attack on Pearl Harbor was the catalyst that fully launched America into the war to battle against the Axis Powers. Since The United States was less damaged than much of Europe, the young nation could mobilize quickly and become a key player in the Allied Powers.
America Retaliates
Another key thing to know about the Pearl Harbor attack timeline is that America did plan a direct strike back at Japan. Throughout World War II, there were numerous moments when the US collaborated with the Allied Powers to retaliate against the Axis Powers.
One of the most notable was the Doolittle Raid in April 1942, a surprise attack on Tokyo launched as revenge for Pearl Harbor. This attack was significant because many considered Tokyo untouchable at that time, and it boosted the morale of Americans and Allies.
Winning the War
By 1945, the tide of World War II had turned in favor of the Allied Powers. The US played a crucial role in helping the Allied Powers defeat Germany, Italy, and Japan, ultimately leading to the Axis surrender and the end of World War II.
The Legacy of Pearl Harbor
Today, Pearl Harbor stands as both a historical site and a memorial to honor those who lost their lives in the attack. Memorials of the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, and USS Bowfin are some of the most commonly visited sites at the still-active military base. Pearl Harbor serves as a reminder of the events that took place on December 7, 1941, and the individuals who lost their lives during the attack.
Each year, countless visitors travel to Pearl Harbor to pay their respects and immerse themselves in the lessons of the past. Guided tours, educational programs, and commemorative ceremonies ensure this history remains alive for future generations. Preservation efforts continue to protect these sites, allowing survivors and descendants to cherish their memories and lessons.
Plan Your Visit Today
Pearlharbortour.org offers guided tours to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki, including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pacific Aviation Museum. These tours provide valuable historical context and honor those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The attack on Pearl Harbor may have been over 70 years ago, but its impact continues to reverberate throughout our world today. Touring the memorial allows you to learn the history and pay your respects to the heroes who served the nation during World War II.
