Pearl Harbor attack was a fail attempt by Japan to destroy the US Pacific Fleet and overpower American’s will. Hence, the war begins ……
Pearl Harbor is located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Between Japan and California, Hawaii is situated in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii was not a state rather a US territory at the time of World War II. Moreover, the United States had not entered the war yet, but the tension between Europe and Asia was growing rapidly.
Reasons as to Why Japan Attacked Pearl Harbor
Scarce Natural Resources
Japan had aims and ambitions regarding Asia and the Pacific. Hence the country required natural resources such as minerals, oil, and steel to achieve those goals. And Pearl Harbor was rich in minerals which meant Japan could have the upper hand over America.
Restrictions by America
The United States had an interest in natural resources as-well. Also, Japan took part in World War II against France, China, Great-Britain hence, fought with United States indirectly. Since the US was Allies with the countries who were fighting against Japan. As a result, America put constraints on doing business with Japan and cut off the supplies of oil. As America exported 80% of oil to Japan. Cutting off the supply meant that the navy would be unable to operate. Furthermore, the US froze Japanese assets that were in their country. Therefore, Japan planned on attacking Pearl Harbor since the United States put them in a tight spot.
Expansion in Pacific
President of the US, Roosevelt, moved the position of the Pacific fleet to Pearl Harbor in 1939, from California. Hence, Japan saw this move as a threat since they wanted to expand in the Pacific. Accordingly, politicians/military leaders saw a war emerging between the US and Japan that lead to the Pearl Harbor attack. And Japan just happened to attack first, but the attack was a life-changing moment for Japan.
History of Pearl Harbor Attack
It all started when Japan tried to take control of much of Asia. Japan also feared the US Navy in Hawaii. Hence, they decided to attack first to stop the US from knocking them. Additionally, Japan thought that if they took out the warships in Pearl Harbor. The US navy would be in no position to attack them back. However, the Japanese were mistaken, and the result turned out to be opposite of what was expected.
Therefore, Japan attacked on 7th December 1941, by submarines and navy aeroplanes, surprising the Americans. Since the base in Hawaii was unguarded, it was relatively easy for the Japanese to attack. Therefore, around 4000 miles away from the Japanese mainland, the Pearl Harbor attack took place. Moreover, during the attack, the US faced communication breakdowns with the government and armed services making it an easy target. At first, the attack looked in favour of Japan; 8-US battleships were bombed, 4-ships sank, more than 300-aircrafts got damaged, and around 2400 sailors were killed at Pearl Harbor. But, Japenese bombers missed ammunition sites, oil tanks and repair facilities. The failure to carry out the attack properly came to haunt Japan very soon.
After Six Months ……
Japan and the US fought the Battle of Midway. Both the countries decided this naval battle. It took place on 4th&7th June 1942, 6-months after the Pearl-Harbor-Attack and 1-month after the Battle of the Coral Sea. As a result, the US won and took revenge for the Pearl Harbor attack.
What Happened to Japan After The Massive Blow ?
As Japan and the US had always been at war since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Nevertheless, Japan surrendered and accepted the terms of the United States on August 14, after America bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan thinks of this day as a victorious day or V-J day as WorldWar-II finally came to an end.
Memorial
It is a mourning day since a lot of the US soldiers lost their lives during the attack on Pearl-Harbor. It is known as the USS Arizona Memorial which is built on the water above the wreckage of the USS-Arizona. This wreckage is famous as a US National Historic Landmark.
Interesting Facts Regarding The Pearl Harbor Attack
~ Japan intended to warn the US before the war but the President, Roosevelt, did not receive the message.
– After the attack, the President of the United Nations, delivered a speech where he said,
7th December would be a date to live in shame/infamy
~ All Presidents of the US have visited the US Arizona Memorial Site.
– The Pearl Harbour attack lasted for about two hours.
~ Japan attacked on Sunday, thinking that the USS army would be less alert on that day.
Conclusion
The Pearl Harbor attack took place on December 7, 1941, which began a war between Japan and the US. A few reasons including the need for natural resources, expansion in Pacific and restrictions by America led to the attack. Moreover, Japan aimed to destroy the US Pacific Fleet to take control over as much Asia and Pacific as possible. Therefore, an attack was carried out and Japan destroyed a lot of equipment and soldiers of the US. Nonetheless, this attack was Japans’ biggest mistakes, and the US army stroked after six months, leaving Japanese helpless. When the US won in the Battle of Midway, the Japanese surrendered. As a result, World War II ended here.
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