Explore the Infamous Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, the United States of America was caught off guard by a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service, against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This attack led to the United States’ entry into World War II, which had already been raging in Europe and Asia for two years. The attack was a devastating blow to the US Navy, and to this day, it remains one of the most infamous events in American history. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the attack, the attack itself, and the impact it had on the world.

The Build-Up to the Attack

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, tensions were high between the United States and Japan. The two countries were at odds over Japan's expansionist policies in Asia and the Pacific, as well as the US embargo on oil and steel exports to Japan. These tensions led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two nations, and war was a looming possibility.

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack began at 7:48 a.m., with a first wave of 183 Japanese aircraft, including torpedo planes, bombers, and fighters. The second wave followed at 8:50 a.m., and by 9:55 a.m., the attack was over.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating blow to the United States. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans and the sinking of or severe damage to eight battleships, three cruisers, three destroyers, and other support vessels. The USS Arizona, a battleship, was hit by a bomb and sunk with 1,177 of its crew members on board.

The attack also destroyed hundreds of aircraft and caused significant damage to the base's infrastructure. The Japanese attack was a significant tactical victory, but it ultimately proved to be a strategic mistake. The United States entered World War II the next day, and the country mobilized for war on a massive scale.

The Impact of Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor had a significant impact on the course of World War II. The United States was the world's largest industrial power at the time, and its entry into the war marked a turning point. The country's vast resources and manpower allowed it to play a decisive role in the war's outcome. The US emerged from the war as the world's dominant superpower, a position it has held ever since.

Pearl Harbor Tour

Today, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can take a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, which stands above the remains of the sunken battleship. The memorial was built in 1962 and is accessible by boat. Visitors can also explore the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which include the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

FAQs

Q: How long does the USS Arizona Memorial tour take? A: The tour takes approximately 75 minutes, including a 23-minute documentary film about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Q: Is the USS Arizona Memorial accessible to wheelchair users? A: Yes, the memorial is accessible to wheelchair users.

Q: Can I take photos at the USS Arizona Memorial? A: Photos are allowed, but no bags or purses are permitted inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center? A: Admission to the visitor center is free, but pre-arranged tickets are required for the USS Arizona Memorial tour.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial tour?

A: It is recommended to reserve your tickets in advance as they can be booked up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can be reserved online.

Conclusion

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a significant event that changed the course of history. The surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service led to the United States' entry into World War II and, ultimately, the country's emergence as a global superpower. Today, visitors to Hawaii can explore the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial. By learning about the events leading up to the attack and its impact on the world, we can gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.