The Attack on Pearl Harbor

What happened

In a surprise attack, 353 aircraft from six Japanese carriers struck the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in two waves. They sank or damaged numerous battleships and destroyed many aircraft; more than 2,400 Americans were killed. The U.S. aircraft carriers were at sea and escaped.

Why it matters

The attack brought the United States into World War II. The day after, President Roosevelt called it 'a date which will live in infamy.'

Sources

• Naval History and Heritage Command. The Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941 — Overview · General source
• The National WWII Museum. Pearl Harbor Attack, December 7, 1941 · General source