Pearl Harbor

Definition

Pearl Harbor refers to the U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, which was attacked by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. This surprise military strike led to significant loss of life and damage to the Pacific Fleet, ultimately propelling the United States into World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor not only marked a pivotal moment in American history but also set off a chain reaction of events that resulted in the internment of Japanese Americans, driven by wartime fears and racial prejudice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, including military personnel and civilians.
2. Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described December 7th as 'a date which will live in infamy' during his speech to Congress.
3. The immediate response to the attack included a wave of anti-Japanese sentiment, leading to widespread fear and suspicion towards Japanese Americans.
4. The U.S. government justified the internment of Japanese Americans by citing national security concerns, despite a lack of evidence suggesting that they posed a threat.
5. More than 110,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps across the country, often losing their property and businesses.

Review Questions

• How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change public perception towards Japanese Americans in the United States?
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor drastically shifted public perception towards Japanese Americans, fostering widespread fear and suspicion. Many Americans unfairly associated individuals of Japanese descent with the enemy, leading to increased racism and hostility. This atmosphere of distrust played a crucial role in paving the way for the internment of Japanese Americans, as many believed they could be potential threats despite there being no substantial evidence to support this view.
• What role did Executive Order 9066 play in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack?
  • Executive Order 9066 was a direct result of the national hysteria following the Pearl Harbor attack, allowing for the internment of Japanese Americans without due process. This order led to the establishment of internment camps where thousands were forcibly relocated from their homes. The government's justification hinged on perceived security risks and wartime fears, reflecting how quickly civil liberties can be eroded during times of crisis.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Pearl Harbor attack on Japanese American communities and U.S. society as a whole.
  • The Pearl Harbor attack had lasting repercussions for Japanese American communities, with many families suffering significant losses due to internment and discrimination. The trauma from this experience led to enduring challenges related to identity and belonging within American society. Additionally, the event sparked critical discussions around civil rights, prompting future advocacy for justice and reparations that would shape American discourse on race and equality for decades to come.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066: A presidential order issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Japanese American Internment: The forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans in camps across the United States during World War II.

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach where a nation avoids political or military involvement in foreign affairs, which characterized U.S. attitudes before World War II.