History: On this day in world history, December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor killing 2,403 Americans
AGN.News Team
December 7, 2023
WASHINGTON (AGN.News) – For the first time since World War I ended, the United States of America was thrusted into another global war here at home with the premeditated attack on Pearl Harbor 82 years ago today.
Even though America was not prepared to engage in total war at that time, the federal government had to mobilize the country to fight for the rights and freedoms all Americans hold close to their heart.
America goes to war against its enemies
On this day in world history, December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, the home to several military bases and naval installations including the U.S. Navy base at Pearl, killing 2,403 Americans.
In addition to the loss of life, 21 U.S. warships, 347 aircraft, and a lot of infrastructure on the base was damaged or destroyed. The USS Arizona and the USS Oklahoma found Pearl to be their final resting place. Both battleships were sunk by Japanese bombers in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Who attacked the United States?
The United States was a neutral country as many of its allies were engaged in war in Europe and beyond. When the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, America mobilized for war.
Due to this surprise Japanese attack using 353 aircraft, the Japanese won this round. However, 82 years ago, that victory would be tempered as the United States entered the war.
The human losses for the United States
The United States entered World War II on the side of the Allies. After all this loss of life and the accompanying casualties including 1,178 military and civilians wounded, the country had to get involved in this war.
The death toll of 2,008 sailors killed, 109 Marines, 208 soldiers, 68 civilians, and perhaps more who later died from their injuries, demanded a quick response.
What was the United States reaction?
After months of negotiations with Japan over the future of the Pacific and other Japanese demands including that the United States end its sanctions against Japan among other unresolved issues, the Japanese started this war at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian time.
A day later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous Day of Infamy speech to a joint session of Congress as he called for a formal declaration of war on the Empire of Japan. Less than an hour later his request was answered in the affirmative.
On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. Later that same day Congress declared war on Germany – who was already at war against the United Kingdom – and Italy,
At this point, World War II was indeed a global war, as nation after nation mobilized for total war including the United States.
The United States won in the end
A Pearl Harbor survivor said, “Only a nation that keeps its guard up can learn from the lessons of the past. All of the Allies of those days have come to value the need for vigilance.”
President Roosevelt exemplified the attitude of all Americans when he said, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”
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