-
-
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.
-
Japan's invasion of China escalates into full-scale war, drawing condemnation from the U.S. and other nations.
-
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.
-
-
The U.S. freezes Japanese assets in response to Japan's continued expansion in Southeast Asia, further straining relations.
-
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.
-
-
7:48a.m.
Japanese aircraft launch a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. -
8:10 a.m.
The battleship USS Arizona is hit by a bomb and sinks, resulting in the loss of over 1,100 lives -
8:55 a.m.
Japanese torpedoes strike the battleship USS Oklahoma, causing it to capsize with significant loss of life. -
9:38 a.m.
After two hours of intense bombing, the Japanese planes withdraw, leaving devastation in their wake. -
-
President Roosevelt delivers his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, requesting a declaration of war against Japan, which is swiftly approved.
-
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.
-
-
The attack galvanizes American public opinion and leads to a massive mobilization of military and industrial resources to support the war effort.
-
The United States and its allies begin to turn the tide against Japan, securing key victories in battles such as Midway and Guadalcanal.
-
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.