On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japan made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. This was done to prevent the United States Pacific Fleet from becoming involved in their upcoming military plans involving Southeast Asia.
Six Japanese aircraft carriers that day launched a total of 353 Japanese aircraft, which included fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft and also torpedo planes. The group converged upon Pearl Harbor in two separate attacks which resulted in the sinking of four U.S. Navy battleships and extensive damage to four others. Of these eight, six of the ships were raised and repaired and eventually returned to sea to continue service in the war. Cruisers, destroyers, anti-aircraft training ships and a minelayer were also sunk or damaged. Over 180 US aircraft were also destroyed.
The attack left just over 2,400 Americans dead and another 1,282 wounded. The Japanese surprise attack completely shocked the American people and resulted in the United States entering into World War II, where it became active in both the Pacific Theater and European Theaters.
The day following the attack, on December 8 ,1941 the United States openly declared war on Japan. By December 11 , 1941 Germany and Italy declared war on the United States and the U.S. countered on the same day. The attack on Pearl Harbor served as a huge catalyst in changing the dynamics of World War II and was rightfully proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as “A date which will live in infamy.”
