What was Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor was a surprise Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. It killed more than 2,400 Americans and brought the United States into World War II.
Early on a Sunday morning, more than 350 Japanese aircraft launched from six carriers attacked the US Pacific Fleet. In less than two hours, they sank or damaged 19 ships, including eight battleships, and destroyed more than 180 aircraft. The battleship USS Arizona exploded and sank, killing 1,177 crew members.
Japan hoped the attack would cripple the US Navy and allow it to expand in Southeast Asia without interference. However, the US aircraft carriers were away from the harbor and escaped damage. The attack united Americans behind entering the war.
A date which will live in infamy
The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan, calling December 7 a date which will live in infamy. Germany and Italy declared war on the United States days later. The USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii now honors those who died.
Did You Know?
Oil still leaks in small drops from the sunken USS Arizona, which visitors call the tears of the Arizona.