Pearl Harbor Attack (1941): The Day That Brought America Into World War II

Jul 9, 2026

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The short version

Japanese aircraft attacking Pearl Harbor as battleships burn and explosions fill the harbor during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

01

7 December 1941

Japan launched a surprise air attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii early on a Sunday morning.

02

Devastating Strike

Battleships, aircraft, and military facilities suffered heavy damage, while more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives during the attack.

03

Day of Infamy

On 8 December 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous “Day of Infamy” speech before Congress.

04

War Declared

Congress declared war on Japan, bringing the United States fully into World War II the day after the attack.

05

Historic Impact

Pearl Harbor transformed the global conflict, leading to America’s full military involvement in both the Pacific and European theaters.

Decode this event

President Franklin D. Roosevelt described 7 December 1941 as “a date which will live in ______.”

Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech on 8 December 1941 rallied public support for war and preceded the U.S. declaration of war against Japan.

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