Essays on Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941

Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, U.S.

The historical backdrop surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack holds paramount importance in comprehending the unfolding events on December 7, 1941. During that time, escalating tensions between the United States and Japan were driven by conflicting interests in the Pacific region. Japan, aiming to expand its empire, particularly in Southeast Asia, faced economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. due to Japanese aggression in China.
Amidst these mounting hostilities, Japan meticulously devised a plan to incapacitate the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The element of surprise in the attack proved devastating, leading to the loss of countless American lives and the decimation of battleships, aircraft, and vital infrastructure.
The assault on Pearl Harbor served as a catalyst for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's declaration of war against Japan, followed by subsequent declarations against Germany and Italy. The event profoundly influenced American public sentiment, galvanizing a unified national effort in support of the war.

Initial Air Assault: In the early hours of the morning, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise assault on the naval base. Waves of bombers and fighters targeted battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft stationed at Pearl Harbor. The attack resulted in extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Battleship Row: The Japanese bombers focused their attention on Battleship Row, where many of the U.S. battleships were moored. Several battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, were hit by torpedoes and bombs, leading to their sinking or severe damage. The USS Arizona became a symbol of the attack, as it remains submerged at the harbor as a memorial.
Aerial Bombardment: The Japanese continued their assault, targeting other important military installations, airfields, and infrastructure around Pearl Harbor. Aircraft hangars, fuel storage facilities, and military aircraft were specifically targeted to incapacitate the U.S. forces.
U.S. Response: Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, leading to the United States' formal entry into World War II.

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto: As the mastermind behind the attack, Admiral Yamamoto was the commander-in-chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet. He meticulously planned and executed the surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, recognizing its potential impact on the Pacific War.
Lieutenant Commander Mitsuo Fuchida: Fuchida led the first wave of Japanese bombers during the attack. He famously radioed the code words "Tora! Tora! Tora!" to signify the successful surprise attack. Fuchida later became known for his efforts to reconcile Japan and the United States after the war.
Captain Mervyn Bennion: Serving as the commanding officer of the USS West Virginia, Captain Bennion displayed exceptional leadership and bravery during the attack. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, he remained at his post, issuing orders and providing guidance to his crew.
Dorie Miller: Miller, a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia, emerged as a hero during the attack. Despite having no formal training, he manned an anti-aircraft gun and shot down several enemy aircraft, displaying courage and resourcefulness.
Lieutenant General Walter Short: Short was the commander of the U.S. Army forces in Hawaii during the attack. His decisions regarding defense preparations and the positioning of aircraft and equipment came under scrutiny and were subject to investigation after the attack.

U.S. Entry into World War II: The attack directly led to the United States' entry into the global conflict. Following the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a powerful speech to Congress, resulting in a declaration of war against Japan. This marked a turning point, as the United States officially joined the Allied forces in their fight against the Axis powers.
National Unity and Mobilization: The attack on Pearl Harbor united the American public like never before. It galvanized support for the war effort, with citizens rallying behind the government and military. The nation mobilized its resources and industries to meet the demands of the war, propelling the United States into a total war footing.
Shifting Priorities and Strategies: The attack forced the United States to reassess its military strategies and prioritize the Pacific theater. The focus shifted from a primarily European-centered war effort to a more balanced approach that addressed the threat in the Pacific. The Pacific theater became a critical battleground throughout the rest of the war.
Technological and Strategic Advancements: The attack on Pearl Harbor highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional naval forces against aerial assaults. As a response, the United States invested heavily in aircraft carriers and advanced military technology. The war's subsequent naval battles in the Pacific showcased the importance of air power and aircraft carriers.

"Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970): This historical war film provides a detailed depiction of the events leading up to and including the attack on Pearl Harbor. It offers a balanced portrayal, showing both the American and Japanese perspectives.
"Pearl Harbor" (2001): Directed by Michael Bay, this epic film dramatizes the attack on Pearl Harbor and its impact on the lives of fictional characters. While it incorporates fictional elements, it captures the intensity and devastation of the attack.
"From Here to Eternity" by James Jones: This novel, published in 1951, explores the lives of U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It delves into the personal struggles and relationships of the characters amidst the impending tragedy.
"Pearl Harbor: From Infamy to Greatness" by Craig Nelson: This non-fiction book provides a comprehensive account of the attack, its aftermath, and the United States' response. It draws on various sources to present a detailed and well-researched narrative.
"Pearl Harbor: The Day of Infamy" by Susan Wels: This children's book presents the events of the Pearl Harbor attack in a digestible and informative manner. It helps young readers understand the historical significance of the attack and its impact on American history.

1. The attack resulted in the death of 2,403 Americans, including 68 civilians, and the injury of 1,178 others.
2. The attack damaged or destroyed eight battleships, three cruisers, and four destroyers, while also causing significant damage to other ships and aircraft.
3. The Japanese attack destroyed or damaged 188 U.S. aircraft, primarily targeting the parked planes at airfields.
4. The main targets of the attack were the U.S. Pacific Fleet's battleships at Pearl Harbor, the Army Air Forces' airfields, and the Naval Station at Kaneohe Bay.
5. The entire attack on Pearl Harbor lasted approximately two hours, with the initial wave of Japanese planes striking just before 8:00 a.m.
6. The sunken battleship USS Arizona serves as a memorial to the attack, with the majority of its crew members still entombed within the ship.
7. The attack on Pearl Harbor is commemorated annually on December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States.

The topic of the Pearl Harbor attack holds immense importance in understanding the course of World War II and its impact on the United States. Exploring this historical event in an essay allows for a deeper analysis of its significance.
Firstly, the attack marked a pivotal moment in history as it propelled the United States into active participation in the war. It led to a fundamental shift in the nation's foreign policy, triggering a united response and shaping the outcome of the conflict.
Secondly, studying the Pearl Harbor attack provides insights into the consequences of military unpreparedness and the importance of intelligence gathering and defense strategies.
Additionally, the attack's enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the need for vigilance in safeguarding national security. By examining the Pearl Harbor attack, one gains a comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, and social factors that influenced its occurrence, leaving a lasting impact on both the United States and the global stage.

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3. Hoyt, E. P. (2000). Pearl Harbor. Da Capo Press.
4. Lord, W. (2012). Day of infamy. Open Road Media.
5. Parshall, J., & Tully, A. (2007). Shattered sword: The untold story of the Battle of Midway. Potomac Books.
6. Prange, G. W., Goldstein, D. M., & Dillon, K. V. (1982). At dawn we slept: The untold story of Pearl Harbor. Penguin Books.
7. Smith, C. L. (2016). Japan at war: An encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO.
8. Spector, R. H. (1990). Eagle against the sun: The American war with Japan. Vintage Books.
9. Toland, J. (2003). Infamy: Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Berkley Trade.
10. Zimm, A. J. (2011). Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, combat, myths, deceptions. Casemate Publishers.