The attack on Pearl Harbor was a sudden and devastating strike by Japan on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. At that time, the United States had not yet entered World War II and was maintaining a neutral stance. The assault was carefully planned and executed by the Japanese military, who launched the attack from six aircraft carriers positioned hundreds of miles away. Early in the morning, waves of Japanese planes bombarded the harbor, targeting battleships, cruisers, and aircraft stationed at the base.
The surprise attack caused significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, sinking or disabling multiple battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives, and hundreds more were wounded. Japan’s goal was to cripple the U.S. naval power in the Pacific, giving Japan freedom to expand its influence across Asia and the Pacific.
The attack, referred to by Japanese planners as the “Hawaii Operation” or “Operation Z,” shocked the American public and leadership. The following day, on December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan, officially joining World War II on the side of the Allied powers. This event marked a turning point in world history.
