Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

“A Day That Will Live in Infamy”

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Tension• Tension between the U.S. and Japan increased shortly before the attack on

pearl harbor

• In 1940, we stopped shipping war supplies to Japan• This was seen as a hostile act by the Japanese

• Japan felt that attacking the U.S. Naval fleet would prevent us from entering the war

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The Attack begins…• The Japanese fleet set course for the naval base

• Many of the pilots were young “Kamikaze” pilots

• Their planes were loaded with bombs and their primary goal was dive bomb into any American ships or facilities

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Chaos• U.S. Navy men awoke to the sound of explosions, gun fire, and

warning messages

• Many were forced to abandon ship even though they were doing their best to keep the ships from sinking

• The attack went on for 2 hours

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The Aftermath

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• Over 3,500 American we’re injured or killed

• Sank/damaged 18 ships

• Damaged/destroyed over 350 aircraft

• No aircraft carriers were sunk

• Most of the fuel reserves went untouched

Government Response• December 8th • Roosevelt delivers his “Day in Infamy” speech• Congress declares war on Japan

• Congress declares war on Germany a few days later

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A Fatal Mistake• Japans attack on Pearl Harbor led to America becoming

involved in WWII

• This was the turning point of the war and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers

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