The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, was a surprise Japanese strike, leading to U.S. entry into World War II, here are some things to know.
1
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, launched a surprise military strike against the United States naval base in Hawaii.
2
Japan initiated the attack to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military actions in Southeast Asia.
3
The Japanese strike force consisted of 353 aircraft, including bombers, torpedo bombers, & fighter planes, launched from six aircraft carriers.
4
Eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, & three cruisers, three destroyers, and nearly 200 aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
5
The attack resulted in significant American casualties, with 2,403 military personnel and civilians killed, and 1,178 wounded.
6
The day after the attack, on December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.
7
The American aircraft carriers, which would later play a pivotal role in the Pacific War, were not in Pearl Harbor during the attack.