On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military strike on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, aiming to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent interference with Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia. The attack began at 7:48 a.m. local time with 353 Japanese aircraft, including fighters, level and dive bombers, and torpedo bombers, launched from six aircraft carriers
. The assault was executed in two waves over about two hours. The first wave targeted airfields and battleships moored in the harbor, while the second wave continued the bombing and strafing of naval and air installations
. The Japanese used specially designed torpedoes capable of operating in the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor, which proved devastating to the anchored ships
. In less than ninety minutes, the attack damaged or destroyed 19 U.S. warships, including all eight battleships present-four of which were sunk, notably the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. Approximately 300 aircraft were damaged or destroyed on the ground
. The human toll was severe: over 2,400 American servicemen and women were killed, including 1,177 on the USS Arizona alone, with many more wounded. Civilian casualties numbered 68
. The attack was a strategic move by Japan, which was facing crippling oil embargoes imposed by the U.S. and its allies. Japan sought to seize resource- rich territories in Southeast Asia and believed that a preemptive strike on the U.S. Pacific Fleet would delay American military response
. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan, marking its official entry into World War II. This event also led to broader conflict involving Germany and Italy, and the internment of Japanese Americans during the war
. In summary, the Pearl Harbor attack was a surprise aerial assault that severely damaged the U.S. Pacific Fleet, caused significant loss of life, and precipitated the United States' entry into World War II
