JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR Meaning and
Definition
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The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor refers to the surprise military strike carried out by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, against the naval base of the United States Pacific Fleet located in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. This event led to the entry of the United States into World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a highly coordinated and significant military action involving air bombardments and torpedo attacks by Japanese aircraft carriers. The objective was to cripple the US Pacific Fleet, particularly the battleships and aircraft carriers, which were seen as major threats to Japanese expansion in the Pacific. The attack resulted in the destruction or severe damage of eight battleships, numerous other vessels, and over 300 aircraft. Additionally, it caused the loss of approximately 2,400 American lives and injured over 1,000 service members.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor had significant consequences globally. It forced the United States to formally declare war on Japan the following day, leading to their involvement in World War II. This event marked a turning point in the conflict, as it united an initially divided American public in support of war efforts. The attack also solidified the United States as a major player in the Allied forces against the Axis powers. Overall, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is considered a major historical event that drastically altered the course of World War II.
