Dbq Pearl Harbor

The Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 directly caused America’s entry to World War Two which led to the eventual launch of the atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, an outcome that devastated the Japanese population. The Japanese were able to damage approximately 20 U.S. naval ships, consisting of 8 large battle ships, 200 aerial vehicles and killing over 2,000 Americans, but why did the Japanese attack America in the first place? And what were they trying to achieve by attacking a Hawaiian city, exactly? Pearl Harbor was attacked on the fateful day of December 7, 1941, also known as “D-Day” so far making it the only time in American history that a declaration of war was passed through congress and voted in agreement for in a single

and Japan had been butting heads for decades and it was inevitable that things would eventually culminate into a war. Japan had imperial ambitions to expand to China to solve some demographical and economical problems and to take over the Chinese import markit. When in 1937 Japan decided to declare war on China, America was very against this aggression and responded with trade embargoes and economic sanctions. Specifically, an oil embargo that America organized with the British and the Dutch was a thorn in the side for Japan, which imported 90% of its oil. Without oil Japan’s military could not function and all war efforts would come to an end. Negotiations had been going on for months between Washington and Tokyo, without any resolution, so Japan decided to attack first. Ultimately, Japan hoped that America would accept defeat and that Japan could create a fortress that would stretch across the whole Pacific Rim. So, that they would be able to operate with as much room as was needed and to create new trade and transport routes for the Axis.

Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was steadfast against entering World War II, and though there were those who feared the conquest of Germany, there was very little clamoring to enter the war in 1941. The attack changed the course of history and shifted the entire country’s focus, making it possible for the United States to join the war and help put an end to the Axis