Pearl Harbor

Definition

Pearl Harbor refers to the U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, which was attacked by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. This surprise military strike led to significant destruction of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and marked the United States' entry into World War II. The attack had far-reaching consequences, including the implementation of Executive Order 9066, which resulted in the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the loss of more than 2,400 American lives and significant damage to naval vessels and aircraft.
2. This event galvanized public opinion in the United States, shifting it from isolationism to a strong support for entering World War II against Japan and its allies.
3. Following Pearl Harbor, anti-Japanese sentiment surged, leading to widespread discrimination and fear towards Japanese Americans, which contributed to the justification for their internment.
4. The day after the attack, President Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech to Congress, asking for a declaration of war against Japan.
5. Pearl Harbor is often seen as a turning point in American history, as it united the nation in wartime effort and reshaped its military and foreign policy for decades to come.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor influence public sentiment and policy towards Japanese Americans?
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor significantly influenced public sentiment in the U.S., turning widespread support against Japan and fueling anti-Japanese hysteria. As a result, many Americans began to view Japanese Americans with suspicion, believing they could be loyal to Japan rather than the U.S. This led to governmental policies like Executive Order 9066, which justified the forced relocation and internment of thousands of Japanese Americans based solely on their ethnicity.
• Discuss the immediate military consequences of the Pearl Harbor attack for the United States and its naval capabilities.
  • The immediate military consequences of the Pearl Harbor attack were devastating for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, as eight battleships were either sunk or heavily damaged, along with numerous aircraft destroyed. However, crucial assets like aircraft carriers were not present during the attack, allowing the U.S. Navy to recover more quickly than expected. This event prompted a complete reevaluation of U.S. military strategy in the Pacific, leading to increased naval production and preparations for an extended conflict.
• Evaluate how Pearl Harbor reshaped American identity and international relations in the years following World War II.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor fundamentally reshaped American identity by transitioning it from isolationist tendencies to a more interventionist role on the global stage. Following World War II, America emerged as a superpower committed to combating totalitarian regimes and promoting democracy worldwide. The experiences of war also led to a greater awareness of civil rights issues within the U.S., highlighting injustices faced by Japanese Americans during internment and fostering movements that sought equality and justice in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066: An order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942 that authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Internment Camps: Detention centers where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and held during World War II, often under harsh conditions and without due process.

Isolationism: The foreign policy stance adopted by the United States prior to World War II, characterized by a reluctance to engage in international conflicts and alliances.