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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