Downfall Of Pearl Harbor Research Paper

Japan’s disastrous actions before, during, and up to its historic surrender on 22nd September 1945, at the end of World War II, it is evident Japan bore responsibility for its downfall. Japan was responsible for its downfall through its aggressive territorial expansion due to a lack of resources and its extreme nationalist and militaristic values, making them disregard what they were doing as wrong. The pivotal event causing their downfall was the bombing of Pearl Harbor causing America to enter the war which led to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and its inevitable surrender.

The road to Japan’s downfall can be traced to their aggressive territorial expansion which led to an increase in tension with the US. As an island nation, Japan

naval base Pearl Harbor on Oahu Island by Japan. The attacks began at 7:48 AM, and the Japanese withdrew at 9:45 AM. The attacks were a turning point in the war and were a major reason for Japan’s downfall due to its failure in accomplishing its goal, caused the US to declare war on Japan, and the public opinion of Japan in the US greatly shifted. Before Pearl Harbor, the United States was bound by the Neutrality Acts to remain neutral and not get involved in conflicts in Russia and Asia. A poll reported that 88% of Americans voted against entering the war against Germany and Italy . This attack preceded the US entry into WWII. The attack on Pearl Harbor was part of Japan’s conquest and aimed at immobilizing the US Pacific Fleet. Japan attacked in two waves, the first was devastating for Pearl Harbor, destroying 180 aircraft, the USS Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, West Virginia, and the USS California were sunk. The second attack was albeit devastating, less successful than the first attack. Pearl Harbor had short-term success, moreover their main goal of immobilizing the US Pacific Fleet was not met, and all but 2 ships were repaired. The attacks resulted in the US declaring war on Japan, significantly shifting public opinion to be supportive of the US entering the war (>97% supporting war) and was a significant factor in Japan’s downfall and inevitable surrender after the atomic bombings 4 years