Prepare to delve into the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of history. This comprehensive attack on pearl harbor worksheet will guide you through the events, consequences, and significance of this defining chapter in American history.
As you journey through this worksheet, you’ll uncover the motivations and strategies of the Japanese Imperial Navy, the devastating impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the far-reaching implications that shaped World War II and beyond.
Historical Background
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, just before 8:00 a.m. Honolulu Time on Sunday, December 7, 1941. The attack resulted in the sinking of four U.S.
battleships and the destruction of 188 U.S. aircraft. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and over 1,000 were wounded. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in the Pacific War of World War II.The attack on Pearl Harbor was the culmination of a long period of tension between the United States and Japan.
In the 1930s, Japan had become increasingly aggressive in its foreign policy, and it had begun to expand its empire in the Pacific. The United States had responded by imposing economic sanctions on Japan, and it had also begun to build up its military presence in the Pacific.The
Japanese government believed that the United States was a threat to its empire, and it decided to attack Pearl Harbor in order to cripple the U.S. fleet and to prevent the United States from interfering with its plans for expansion in the Pacific.
Attack Details
The attack on Pearl Harbor commenced at 7:55 AM on December 7, 1941, with the first wave of Japanese aircraft launching a surprise assault on the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Japanese attackers, led by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, employed a two-wave strategy. The first wave consisted of 183 aircraft, including dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighters, launched from six aircraft carriers. The second wave, launched around 8:50 AM, comprised 171 aircraft.
Targets and Tactics
The Japanese targeted the U.S. Pacific Fleet, primarily battleships, anchored in Pearl Harbor. They also attacked the Hickam Field airfield and other military installations on Oahu.
The Japanese used a combination of tactics to maximize the impact of their attack. Dive bombers targeted battleships, while torpedo bombers attacked from low altitudes. Fighters provided air cover and strafed ground targets.
Impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Infrastructure
The attack on Pearl Harbor had a devastating impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Eight battleships were sunk or severely damaged, along with numerous other vessels and aircraft. Over 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,000 wounded.
The attack also caused significant damage to Pearl Harbor’s infrastructure, including the dry docks, fuel storage facilities, and repair shops. This crippled the U.S. Navy’s ability to operate in the Pacific.
Historical Significance
The attack on Pearl Harbor served as a pivotal turning point in American history, forever altering the nation’s trajectory.
The surprise assault on December 7, 1941, not only led to the loss of thousands of American lives and significant military assets but also shattered the nation’s sense of isolation and security.
Impact on American Society
In the aftermath of the attack, American society underwent a profound transformation.
- Increased Patriotism:The attack galvanized the American people, fostering a surge of patriotism and a heightened sense of national unity.
- Economic Mobilization:The United States swiftly mobilized its economy for war, leading to a massive expansion of industrial production and a significant increase in military spending.
- Civil Liberties Restrictions:The attack also raised concerns about national security, resulting in the implementation of civil liberties restrictions, including the internment of Japanese-Americans.
Impact on American Culture
The attack on Pearl Harbor had a lasting impact on American culture.
- End of Isolationism:The attack effectively ended the United States’ policy of isolationism, propelling the nation into a global leadership role.
- Rise of the Military-Industrial Complex:The war effort led to the emergence of a powerful military-industrial complex, which would continue to shape American society in the years to come.
- Influence on Popular Culture:The attack became a defining event in American popular culture, inspiring numerous films, books, and other works of art.
Impact on National Identity, Attack on pearl harbor worksheet
The attack on Pearl Harbor played a significant role in shaping American national identity.
- Loss of Innocence:The attack shattered the nation’s belief in its invulnerability, marking a turning point in American consciousness.
- Acceptance of Global Responsibilities:The attack forced the United States to confront its global responsibilities and to play a leading role in international affairs.
- Enduring Legacy:The attack on Pearl Harbor remains a defining moment in American history, its legacy continues to shape the nation’s identity and its place in the world.
Primary Source Analysis: Attack On Pearl Harbor Worksheet
Analyzing primary sources from the attack on Pearl Harbor provides valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of those directly involved.
These sources include:
- Eyewitness accounts from survivors, sailors, and civilians
- Official documents, such as military reports and government records
- News reports and articles published in the immediate aftermath of the attack
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness accounts offer vivid and personal perspectives on the events of December 7, 1941. These accounts describe the chaos, fear, and heroism witnessed by those present during the attack.
One notable eyewitness account is that of Ensign Mitchell Paige, a pilot who survived the attack on the USS Arizona. Paige’s account provides a detailed description of the attack from the perspective of a pilot.
“The sky was filled with Japanese planes, and they were coming in low. We were under attack!”
— Ensign Mitchell Paige
Historiography and Historical Debates
The historiography of the attack on Pearl Harbor is a complex and evolving field. Over the years, historians have debated a variety of issues related to the attack, including its causes, consequences, and significance.
One of the most important debates among historians is the question of whether or not the United States could have prevented the attack. Some historians argue that the US government had ample warning of the attack but failed to take adequate precautions.
Others argue that the attack was a surprise and that the US government could not have done anything to prevent it.
Another major debate among historians is the question of the attack’s significance. Some historians argue that the attack was a turning point in World War II and that it led directly to the United States’ entry into the war. Others argue that the attack was not as significant as it is often made out to be and that the US would have entered the war eventually regardless of the attack.
Evolving Understanding
The historiography of the attack on Pearl Harbor has evolved over time as new evidence has come to light and as historians have reinterpreted the events of that day. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the US government and the media portrayed the attack as a sneak attack by a treacherous enemy.
However, in the years since the attack, historians have come to a more nuanced understanding of the events leading up to the attack and the attack itself.
Today, historians generally agree that the attack on Pearl Harbor was a complex event with multiple causes. They also agree that the attack had a profound impact on the course of World War II and on the United States’ role in the world.
Expert Answers
What were the primary targets of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
The primary targets were the U.S. Pacific Fleet, particularly the battleships moored in Pearl Harbor.
What was the immediate impact of the attack on the U.S.?
The attack resulted in the loss of over 2,400 American lives, the destruction of multiple battleships and other vessels, and severe damage to U.S. infrastructure.
How did the attack on Pearl Harbor influence U.S. foreign policy?
The attack directly led to the U.S. entry into World War II and significantly shaped its subsequent foreign policy decisions.
