Pearl Harbor Research Paper

Improved Essays
Hawaiian military and naval forces were attacked by Japanese bombers on December 7, 1941. Many Americans were shaken by the Pearl Harbor attack, instilling fear and uncertainty in their hearts. It fueled a sense of patriotism and a fervent desire to protect the nation from further harm. The attack also led to a surge in enlistments as young men and women rushed to join the military and defend their country. Pearl Harbor was a defining moment in American history and changed the way people saw their country and themselves.

"Watching Pearl Harbor being destroyed and thousands of lives lost put most of us into a state of shock." -Johnie and Dale Gano

Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in an attempt to cripple the United States' Pacific Fleet and gain control over Southeast Asia. According to the Imperial War Museums, "Japan had been modernising its economy throughout the 20th century and wanted to build an empire of its own. However, Japan lacked the natural resources to make it a reality, with all but 6% of its oil supply being imported." IWM Stories. As a result of
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"The attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, including sailors, soldiers and civilians. Additionally, 1,178 people were wounded. 129 Japanese soldiers were killed." (History Editors, 2022). The attack led to severe economic losses for the United States, which declared war on Japan the next day. The destruction caused a lasting impact on the nation, inspiring patriotism and a sense of unity in the United States.

How long did the attack on Pearl Harbor last? The attack went on for an hour and 15 minutes. "The first Japanese dive-bomber appeared over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 AM (local time)" (Britannica). Then a "second wave struck at 8:50 AM" damaging a large amount of ships, aircraft, and many more (Britannica). The Japanese withdrew around 9:00 AM, ending with a defining moment in history that led to entering World War

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