December 7, 1941, is a date that will forever remain etched into American history. On this day, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, an essential U.S. military base. This preemptive strike was a major tragedy, leading to the United States entering World War II.
Although it’s been over 75 years since the attack, the attack on Pearl Harbor remains a significant moment in American history that many of us still honor today. Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most popular ways to pay respects to the men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day. Learn interesting facts about the Japanese attack and the history of Pearl Harbor as you plan your trip to this important memorial site.
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States took a relatively neutral stance towards World War II; while the nation provided aid to the Allied Powers, it was not officially involved in the conflict. Examples of this include the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the U.S. to lend war supplies to other countries, and the Atlantic Charter, which outlined Allied goals after the war.
However, tensions between Japan and the U.S. were rising due to Japan’s expansionist policies in Asia and America’s trade embargo imposed on them. Japan was a part of the Axis Powers, along with Italy and Germany, making them a key enemy of the Allied Powers. Due to this, the U.S. placed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on key resources such as oil.
Another reason for the attack was because the Imperial Japanese military leaders saw the U.S. as a threat to their expansion plans in the Pacific. They believed that by attacking Pearl Harbor, they could hinder the American naval fleet and secure their dominance in the region.
Although the U.S. had numerous military bases during WWII, Pearl Harbor was a key target for the Japanese military due to its location and importance to the United States. The naval base was home to the Pacific Fleet and a key supply hub for American forces in the Pacific.
Pearl Harbor’s attack lasted under two hours, beginning at 7:55 a.m. and ending at 9:45 a.m. Within this short time, Japanese forces launched over 350 aircraft in two waves, targeting battleships, airfields, and other critical military infrastructure. While brief, the operation achieved significant material destruction as it destroyed numerous battleships and aircraft.
Thousands of U.S. military personnel and civilians were either killed or wounded in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The total death toll reached 2,403, with over 1,100 injured. The majority of casualties occurred on battleships and airfields that the Japanese military targeted.
The tragic loss of life at Pearl Harbor was a significant factor in the U.S.’s decision to officially enter World War II. It also led to a national sense of determination and unity as Americans rallied to support their country during this crisis.
Though devastating, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor did not achieve all of Japan’s objectives. The Japanese military made the attack to prevent the U.S. from further assisting the Allies, let alone joining World War II. While there is no negating the tragedy in lives lost, the attack was unsuccessful in the fact that it did not hold the United States back; in fact, it gave many Americans a reason to join the war.
Repairing and rebuilding began almost immediately, driven by the resilience of American industrial and military capability. The phrase “waking the sleeping giant,” often attributed to Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, perfectly encapsulates the unintended effect of the attack; after the attack, the U.S. was fully committed to defeating the Axis Powers.
At dawn on December 7, 1941, the first wave of Japanese warplanes appeared above Pearl Harbor, delivering devastating blows to U.S. military installations. There was no declaration of war between the U.S. and Japan, nor the U.S. and any of the Axis Powers, at the time of the attack. The Imperial Japanese military maliciously planned the surprise attack, allowing for maximum destruction since America had no way to immediately defend itself.
American citizens were in disbelief that an attack of such magnitude could happen; this was the first foreign attack on American soil. For the first time, Americans were confronted with the reality of vulnerability, ending the geographical isolation that had long shielded the country from foreign conflict.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Americans felt shocked, angry, and ready to join the war alongside the allied powers. President Roosevelt addressed Congress on December 8, 1941, delivering a speech that rallied the American people and called for a declaration of war against Japan. Congress agreed to this request the same day, allowing the U.S. to officially enter the war that had been raging for over several years.
Following the attack, recruitment numbers soared as over 134,000 Americans enlisted in the military within a week. The U.S. transitioned rapidly from isolationism to full involvement in the global conflict.
When it comes to the history of Pearl Harbor and facts about the Japanese attack, it’s important to note that there was a short-term and long-term impact. Beyond accelerating U.S. involvement in WWII, the attack had profound implications for domestic policies.
Several days after the U.S. declared war on Japan, Italy and Germany declared war on the U.S., eventually becoming fully involved in the conflict. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in American history, shaping the nation’s role as a global superpower and leading to countless sacrifices and contributions by Americans toward the Allied victory.
While 70 years have passed since the war, USS Arizona continues to leak oil into the Atlantic. This is because, at the time of the 1941 attack, the warship had a full tank of oil, so it continues to leak 2-9 quarts of oil to this day.
Today, Pearl Harbor is both a memorial and an active military base. The USS Arizona Memorial sits above the sunken remains of the battleship and honors those who lost their lives during and after the attack. Survivors of Pearl Harbor may choose to have their ashes interred with their shipmates aboard the USS Arizona, further preserving its emotional significance.
Pearl Harbor also has active-duty operations, with base areas restricted from public access. Even as a military hub, it opens its historic sites to visitors, ensuring future generations understand the magnitude and impact of the attack. Through education and preservation, Pearl Harbor remains a living testament to a pivotal moment in world history.
Pearharbortour.org offers in-depth Pearl Harbor tours from Ko Olina. Our guides provide insight into the December 7, 1941, events and share the stories of the heroes who fought and died that day. Make your visit to Hawaii even more memorable by reserving a tour with us today.