Intro
Relive the historic day of infamy with our in-depth look at the 7 battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor. Learn about the devastating Japanese attack, the heroic tales of survival, and the significance of USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and other sunken battleships. Discover the history and legacy of that fateful day.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. On this fateful day, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drawing the United States into World War II. The attack, which was intended to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansionist policies, resulted in the sinking of seven battleships, as well as numerous other ships and aircraft.
The loss of life was staggering, with over 2,400 Americans killed in the attack, including 1,177 crew members of the USS Arizona, which was one of the battleships sunk that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, and it had far-reaching consequences for the United States and the world.
The Events Leading Up to the Attack
In the months leading up to the attack, tensions between the United States and Japan had been escalating. The Japanese government, led by Emperor Hirohito, had been expanding its military presence in Asia, and the United States had been imposing economic sanctions in an attempt to curb Japanese aggression.
Despite these tensions, the U.S. military was caught off guard by the attack, which was planned and executed by the Japanese Navy's Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. The Japanese had been secretly planning the attack for months, using a combination of spies, codes, and deception to conceal their intentions.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7, 1941, a Japanese fleet of six aircraft carriers, led by the Akagi, arrived at a point 230 miles northwest of Hawaii. From there, two waves of Japanese aircraft took off, consisting of bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes.
The first wave of aircraft, consisting of 183 planes, reached Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. local time. The aircraft attacked the U.S. naval base, targeting the battleships moored along Ford Island. The second wave, consisting of 171 planes, arrived at 8:50 a.m. and continued the attack.
The U.S. military was caught off guard, and the attack was swift and devastating. In addition to the seven battleships sunk, numerous other ships and aircraft were destroyed, and over 1,900 Americans were wounded.
The Seven Battleships Sunk at Pearl Harbor
The seven battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor were:
- USS Arizona (BB-39)
- USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
- USS California (BB-44)
- USS West Virginia (BB-48)
- USS Tennessee (BB-43)
- USS Maryland (BB-46)
- USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
These battleships were the backbone of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and their loss was a significant blow to the U.S. military.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, and it had far-reaching consequences for the United States and the world.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the U.S. military was in a state of shock and disarray. However, the attack also galvanized the American people, and it marked a turning point in U.S. involvement in World War II.
On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a speech to the U.S. Congress, in which he called the attack on Pearl Harbor a "date which will live in infamy." The speech was a call to arms, and it marked the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial, which was built over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, is a poignant reminder of the lives lost at Pearl Harbor. The memorial is a tribute to the 1,177 crew members of the USS Arizona who lost their lives that day.
In addition to the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri Battleship are also located at Pearl Harbor, and they offer a glimpse into the history of the attack and its aftermath.
Conclusion
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, and it marked the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II. The loss of life was staggering, and the attack had far-reaching consequences for the United States and the world.
As we remember the events of that fateful day, we honor the lives lost and the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the U.S. military. We also remember the bravery and resilience of the American people, who came together in the face of adversity to support the war effort.
Pearl Harbor Image Gallery
What happened on December 7, 1941?
+The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking seven battleships and numerous other ships and aircraft, and killing over 2,400 Americans.
Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?
+Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansionist policies in Asia.
What was the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
+The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II.