Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

Today’s Objective  Explain how and why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor

Relations with Japan  Our relationship with Japan was getting worse by the day  We were upset that they went to a dictatorship. They were aggressive and we did not like it.  In 1941 we placed a trade embargo on Japan (no trading). Japan was upset because they needed our supplies for the war effort. They needed tanks, trucks, and airplanes.

“Waking A Sleeping Giant”  Seeing no compromise with the U.S. and the belief that war was inevitable, the Japanese military officials believe they have a better shot at defeating the U.S. through a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.

The Beginning of the Attack  On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, Japanese airplanes took off from six aircraft carries in the Pacific.  Their destination was 220 miles away at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  There, the American navy was based.  Goal: destroy the American fleet anchored there.

The Attack  Japan bombed ships in the harbor and planes on the ground.  The attack began at 7:55 a.m. It caught the U.S. by surprise.  Two hours later, the U.S. lost many battleships, destroyers, and planes. (19 ships, damaged or destroyed)  The attack killed more than 2,000 Americans. 

The President’s Response  Roosevelt said that “December 7, 1941 was a date that will live in infamy.”  Roosevelt’s Speech to Congress   4 days later, Germany, Italy, and Japan declared war on the United States.

Our Revenge  U.S. is now involved in WWII  The U.S. carries out “Doolittle’s Raid”, bombing Toyko (Japan’s capital)  The attack on Pearl Harbor inspires Americans to be part of the war effort. It helps grow a sense of patriotism and nationalism.

Pearl Harbor Today 908 × scholastic.com