Explain the impact of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

J/Hanah -- please use the same name for your posts.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into World War II. It pretty well ensured that the Allies would eventually defeat Germany and Japan.

http://http://jdf78.hubpages.com/hub/Reasons-for-American-Entry-Into-WWII

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941, was a significant event in World War II that had a profound impact on both the United States and Japan. The attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy. This act of aggression led to several key consequences:

1. US Entry into World War II: Prior to the attack, the United States had adopted a policy of neutrality in the war. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor forced the US to enter the war on the side of the Allies. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, calling the attack a "date which will live in infamy," resulting in the US formally declaring war on Japan.

To understand the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor, you can gather information from different sources, such as history books, documentaries, or reliable online resources. These sources will provide detailed accounts of the attack, its consequences, and its significance in relation to World War II.

Additionally, you can read primary sources, like speeches and documents, from that time period to gain a first-hand understanding of the impact of the attack. The National Archives and the Library of Congress have extensive collections of primary sources related to Pearl Harbor.

Finally, talking to experts in the field, such as historians or veterans who experienced the attack, can also provide valuable insights into the impact it had on both countries.

2. United States Mobilization: Following the attack, there was a widespread sense of national outrage and unity in the US. The country mobilized its resources, including its industry and workforce, to support the war effort. This led to a rapid expansion of military production, as well as the drafting and enlistment of millions of American men and women into the armed forces.

3. Shift in Global Balance of Power: The attack on Pearl Harbor altered the balance of power in the Pacific region. Prior to the attack, Japan had been expanding its empire in Southeast Asia, and the attack was aimed at neutralizing the US as a potential threat to its ambitions. However, the attack ultimately provoked a determined response from the US, leading to a shift in the Pacific theater of the war. The US was able to rebuild its fleet and launch a series of successful offensives against Japan, ultimately leading to the Japanese surrender in 1945.

4. Internment of Japanese-Americans: In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, there was widespread fear and paranoia about potential Japanese espionage and sabotage within the United States. As a result, the US government made the controversial decision to intern more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans, most of whom were American citizens. This action was later recognized as a grave violation of civil liberties and is now widely condemned as a dark chapter in American history.

To fully comprehend the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is beneficial to study various perspectives, as well as the historical context surrounding the event. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the political, military, and social consequences it had on both Japan and the United States.