Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Day That Changed History
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States experienced a sudden and shocking attack. Japanese military planes attacked Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base in Hawaii. Many Americans were still asleep when the first bombs fell. In just a few hours, the attack caused huge damage, killed many people, and changed the direction of world history.
Before the attack, the United States was not officially fighting in World War II. The war had started in 1939 in Europe, and many countries were already involved. The U.S. government supported some allied countries with supplies, but many Americans wanted to stay out of the war. At the same time, relations between the United States and Japan were tense. Japan wanted to expand its power in Asia, and the U.S. tried to stop this by limiting trade, including oil.
Japan decided to attack Pearl Harbor to weaken the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Early on December 7, Japanese planes flew toward Hawaii and attacked in two waves. They targeted battleships, airplanes, and military buildings. The USS Arizona, one of the largest battleships, was hit and exploded, killing over a thousand sailors. Many other ships were damaged or sunk, and hundreds of aircraft were destroyed.
By the end of the attack, more than 2,400 Americans had been killed, and over 1,000 were wounded. The attack was a surprise, and it made many Americans feel angry and afraid. The next day, December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a famous speech to Congress. He called December 7 “a date which will live in infamy.” Congress quickly voted to declare war on Japan. Within days, Germany and Italy, Japan’s allies, declared war on the United States, and the U.S. entered World War II fully.
The attack on Pearl Harbor became a turning point. It united many Americans, increased military production, and changed daily life. Many men joined the armed forces, and many women worked in factories to support the war effort. Pearl Harbor is remembered today as a moment of tragedy, but also as a moment that pushed the United States into a major role in world events.
Vocabulary List
Click the speaker to hear each word.
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Sudden /ˈsədən/
Happening quickly and unexpectedly.Example: The attack was sudden, and people had no time to prepare.
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Naval base /ˈneɪvəl beɪs/
A place where a country’s navy keeps ships and supplies.Example: Pearl Harbor was an important U.S. naval base in Hawaii.
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Officially /əˈfɪʃəli/
In a formal or legal way.Example: The U.S. was not officially fighting in the war before December 1941.
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Tense /tɛns/
Nervous, stressful, or likely to lead to conflict.Example: Relations between the U.S. and Japan were tense.
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Expand /ɪkˈspænd/
To grow larger or spread into new areas.Example: Japan wanted to expand its power in Asia.
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Weaken /ˈwikən/
To make something less strong or effective.Example: Japan attacked to weaken the U.S. Navy in the Pacific.
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Waves /weɪvz/
Groups that come one after another.Example: The planes attacked in two waves.
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Targeted /ˈtɑrgətɪd/
Aimed at; chosen as something to attack or affect.Example: The planes targeted ships and military buildings.
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Declare war /dɪˈklɛr wɔr/
To officially announce that a country will fight another country.Example: The U.S. declared war on Japan the next day.
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Turning point /ˈtərnɪŋ pɔɪnt/
An important moment when a situation changes direction.Example: Pearl Harbor was a turning point in World War II.
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Tragedy /ˈtræʤədi/
A very sad event that causes suffering and loss.Example: The attack was a tragedy for many families.
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Effort /ˈɛfərt/
Hard work to achieve something.Example: People worked in factories to support the war effort.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the article.
- When did the attack on Pearl Harbor happen?
- Where is Pearl Harbor located?
- Was the United States officially in World War II before the attack?
- Why did Japan decide to attack Pearl Harbor?
- What happened to the USS Arizona?
- What did President Roosevelt say about December 7 in his speech?
- What did the U.S. government do on December 8, 1941?
- Why is Pearl Harbor considered a turning point?