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Pre-Existing Tensions
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Rise of Japanese Militarism
Japan's military expansion in East Asia, including the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and subsequent territorial acquisitions, heightens tensions with the United States and other Western powers. -
Marco Polo Bridge Incident
Japan's invasion of China escalates into full-scale war, drawing condemnation from the U.S. and other nations. -
US Imposes Embargo on Japan
In response to Japan's aggression in China and Southeast Asia, the U.S. imposes economic sanctions, including an embargo on oil exports to Japan. -
Period: to
Political and Military Decisions
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US Freezes Japanese Assets
The U.S. freezes Japanese assets in response to Japan's continued expansion in Southeast Asia, further straining relations. -
Japan Decides on War
Japanese military leaders, frustrated by the economic embargo and seeking to secure resources in Southeast Asia, decide on a preemptive strike against the U.S. Pacific Fleet. -
Period: to
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
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Attack Begins
7:48a.m.
Japanese aircraft launch a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. -
USS Arizona Sinks
8:10 a.m.
The battleship USS Arizona is hit by a bomb and sinks, resulting in the loss of over 1,100 lives -
USS Oklahoma Capsizes
8:55 a.m.
Japanese torpedoes strike the battleship USS Oklahoma, causing it to capsize with significant loss of life. -
Attack Concludes
9:38 a.m.
After two hours of intense bombing, the Japanese planes withdraw, leaving devastation in their wake. -
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Responses and Declarations of War
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President Roosevelt's Address to Congress
President Roosevelt delivers his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, requesting a declaration of war against Japan, which is swiftly approved. -
Germany and Italy Declare War
In response to the U.S. declaration of war against Japan, Germany and Italy declare war on the United States, widening the conflict into a global war. -
Period: to
Long-Term Effects
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War Effort Mobilization
The attack galvanizes American public opinion and leads to a massive mobilization of military and industrial resources to support the war effort. -
Allied Victories in the Pacific
The United States and its allies begin to turn the tide against Japan, securing key victories in battles such as Midway and Guadalcanal. -
End of World War II
The war culminates in the unconditional surrender of Japan following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to the end of World War II.