T
he attack that took place on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, became the most shocking military defeat in U.S. history and plunged America into World War II. Japanese planes succeeded in damaging all eight battleships anchored in the harbor and caused over 3,000 American casualties. Japan severely incapacitated the U.S. Pacific fleet, but did not anticipate how Pearl Harbor would unite a previously divided America and commit a nation to war.
Timeline
Quote: Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 8, 1941
“A date which will live in infamy”
Location
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States of America
Also Known As
Black Sunday
Event
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
From
To
Other: American Casualties
nearly 3,000
Damages of U.S. Military: Navy
Sank or damaged 18 ships, Including the 8 battle-ships
Damages of U.S. Military: Air Force
Destroyed 161 American planes
Conflict Period
Other Facts
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
Architect of Japanese attack
Franklin Van Valkenburgh
Captain of USS Arizona
