Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 The Day that Lives in Infamy

US Economic Pressure The United States responded to the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity sphere (or the Japanese Empire) by cutting off: – Aviation fuel – Scrap metal – Chemicals – Machine parts AND FROZE all Japanese assets in America

US was Unprepared Officials believed that war between US and Japan was going to happen but: – Thought Japan would attack in Philippines or Southeast Asia – Still negotiated with Japan and refused to fire the first shot

General Yamamoto’s Plan Attack Pearl Harbor instead of the Philippines This would knock out the American naval fleet that was moved from California in 1940 Yamamota didn’t think the Japan could succeed if the war lasted more than 2-3 years.

TOTA, TORA, TORA! – Japanese aircraft carriers approached the island of Oahu and attacked Pearl Harbor from the north. – Japanese planes were spotted but considered to be American B-17 heavy bombers. – The first wave struck Pearl Harbor at 7:55 am. – The second wave struck at 8:40 am. – The attack was mainly by air for maximum damage and the least amount of risk to the navy. – The attack lasted 2 hours.

Japanese force – 4 heavy carriers launched: 353 aircraft: 40 torpedo planes 131 dive-bombers 79 fighters Also in the attack: 2 heavy cruisers 35 submarines 2 light cruisers 9 oilers 2 battleships 11 destroyers

Aftermath 8 battleships damaged (4 were sunk) 200 aircraft destroyed, more damaged 2403 Americans killed (68 civilians) – (1/2 the dead on board the USS Arizona) 1143 Americans were wounded (103 civilians) Japan lost 30 aircraft, 5 submarines and 55 men (most during second strike).

USS Arizona Memorial

US Military Personnel million million million million

Discussion Questions What does “infamy” mean? Why did FDR describe Japan’s actions as “dastardly?” Why did FDR list all the other places that Japan attacked? The Congress stood up and clapped when FDR declared war on Japan. Why? How do you think life changed in America after the attack and war declaration?