Why was Pearl Harbor important?
Quick Answer
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was important because it sparked the United States' entrance into World War II. The day after the Japanese attacked Honolulu's Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
When the events at Pearl Harbor took place, World War II had already been going on for two years. Three days after President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan, Japan's allies, Germany and Italy, declared war on the United States. Following this, Congress reciprocated, declaring war on both Germany and Italy. In the end, Japan's decision to attack Pearl Harbor left the United States with no choice but to enter the international conflict.
In the aftermath of the 2-hour attack on Pearl Harbor, 21 ships in the U.S. Pacific fleet had been sunk or severely damaged. United States air crafts also took a hit, as 188 were destroyed and 159 were damaged, most were hit before they could even leave the ground. In total, 2,403 people were killed, the majority of which were soldiers and sailors.
The surprise Pearl Harbor attack was also responsible for uniting the nation, which was split about whether or not to even enter the conflict that was World War II.
Learn more about World War 2Related Questions
-
Q:
Who was the President during the attack on Pearl Harbor?
A: Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the president of the United States during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack occurred on Dec. 7, 1941, during President R... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What weapons were used in the attack on Pearl Harbor?
A: The weapons used during the attack on Pearl Harbor included bombs, torpedoes, machine guns and anti-aircraft guns. The Japanese bombs and torpedoes were dr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some resources that offer a concise World War II timeline starting with the attack on Pearl Harbor?
A: World War II timelines that start with the attack on Pearl Harbor are available at Timetoast and the History Place. The timeline at Timetoast is interactiv... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How many died at Pearl Harbor?
A: More than 2,500 people were killed when Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. The attack on a U.S. military base began at 7:55 a.... Full Answer >Filed Under:
