Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941
Today’s Objective
 Explain how and why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
Relations with Japan
 Our relationship with Japan was getting worse by the
day
 We were upset that they went to a dictatorship. They
were aggressive and we did not like it.
 In 1941 we placed a trade embargo on Japan (no
trading). Japan was upset because they needed our
supplies for the war effort. They needed tanks, trucks,
and airplanes.
“Waking A Sleeping Giant”
 Seeing no compromise with the U.S. and the belief that
war was inevitable, the Japanese military officials believe
they have a better shot at defeating the U.S. through a
surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.
The Beginning of the
Attack
 On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, Japanese
airplanes took off from six aircraft carries in the Pacific.
 Their destination was 220 miles away at Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii.
 There, the American navy was based.
 Goal: destroy the American fleet anchored there.
The Attack
 Japan bombed ships in the harbor and planes on the
ground.
 The attack began at 7:55 a.m. It caught the U.S. by
surprise.
 Two hours later, the U.S. lost many battleships,
destroyers, and planes. (19 ships, damaged or destroyed)
 The attack killed more than 2,000 Americans.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXku
The President’s Response
 Roosevelt said that “December 7, 1941 was a date that
will live in infamy.”
 Roosevelt’s Speech to Congress
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VqQAf74fsE
 4 days later, Germany, Italy, and Japan declared war on
the United States.
Our Revenge
 U.S. is now involved in WWII
 The U.S. carries out “Doolittle’s Raid”, bombing Toyko
(Japan’s capital)
 The attack on Pearl Harbor inspires Americans to be part
of the war effort. It helps grow a sense of patriotism and
nationalism.
Pearl Harbor Today
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