The Pearl Harbor attack which is referred to as such by the Japanese General Headquarters, was one of the biggest surprises that could have struck Pearl Harbor. It was followed through by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the Naval Base in the United States on December 7, 1941 in the morning. The attack was to keep the US Fleet on the Pacific from influencing the war that the Empire of Japan was planning. It brought about two waves of attacks by 353 Japanese aircrafts. Four of the US Navy battleships were hit and sunk, and four others were damaged. They also destroyed 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, a training ship, and a minelayer.
188 US pieces of aircraft were destroyed in the process which killed 2,402 men and left 1,282 wounded. The Japanese lost men lightly, and had only around 28 aircraft and 5 small submarines lost. On top of this, they only lost 65 men and one of which was captured. This led right into the World War II. On December 8, the following day after the attacks, the United States declared war on Japan. During this time, Germany and Italy declared war on the US as well, and on December 11, it was reciprocated by the US.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the worst, and it came without warning while negotiations were still ongoing. This day was to be remembered by the world for the rest of their lives, and passed down in history to the younger generations who did not live through it.
Pearl Harbor in 1940-1941
Japanese Forces in the Pearl Harbor Attack
"Battleship Row" during the Pearl Harbor Attack
Attacks off the West Side of Ford Island
Attacks in the Navy Yard Area
Attacks on Airfields and Aerial Combat
Damaged Ships after the Attack
Raid Aftermath
Post-Attack Ship Salvage
Remembrance of the "Day which will live in Infamy"