Which country launched an attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s base at Pearl Harbor?
Japan
The attack on Pearl Harbor compelled the United States to enter which war?
WWII
Pearl Harbor is located in...
Hawaii
How many American lives were lost in the attack?
Approximately 2,400 Americans died, including military personnel and civilians
Why was Pearl Harbor targeted by Japan?
Japan aimed to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet to prevent interference with its expansion in Southeast Asia
Japanese forces began the attack just prior to 8:00 a.m. and how long did it last?
2 hours
What was the major consequence of the Pearl Harbor attack?
America’s entry into World War II
What action did Congress take following President Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech?
Congress declared war on Japan within an hour of Roosevelt's speech, marking the United States' official entry into World War II
What was the Japanese codename for the operation?
The attack was called "Operation Z" by the Japanese Imperial Navy
Who was President of the U.S. at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
What were the primary economic motivations behind Japan's decision to attack Pearl Harbor?
Japan faced severe shortages of essential resources like oil, rubber, and iron, exacerbated by U.S. economic sanctions, including an oil embargo.
What actions did Japan take in Asia that led the United States to impose embargoes?
Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, then launched a full-scale war against China in 1937. Later, it occupied French Indochina in 1940–1941. These aggressive moves were seen by the U.S. as a threat to peace and international stability.
How did the U.S. attempt to stop Japan's expansion before the attack on Pearl Harbor?
The U.S. used economic pressure, including embargoes on materials like scrap metal, aviation fuel, and most importantly, oil. It also froze Japanese assets and tried to negotiate diplomatically, demanding Japan withdraw from its occupied territories.
How did Japan respond to the U.S. sanctions and diplomatic demands?
Japan continued expanding and tried negotiating with the U.S., but refused to fully withdraw from China.
Which side was Japan aligned with during World War II?
Japan was part of the Axis Powers