-
US sets an Oil Embargo on Japan
After Japan's invasion of Indochina and China, the US demanded that the Japanese withdraw. This led to the US imposing an embargo on the trade of resources such as oil and steel with Japan, which was hurting Japan's economy. -
Japan Sends its Fleet
In response, Japan decides to send a surprise attack, sends its fleet consisting of 6 aircraft carriers and 423 aircraft. -
Japan launches its Offensive
At 6:10 AM, Japan sends its first wave of bomber pilots, initiating the first phase of the attack. -
USS Ward fires on a Japanese Submarine
At 6:45 AM, the USS Ward fired on a Japanese midget submarine spotted at the entrance of the harbor, marking the first shot fired. -
Phase 1 of the Attack
At 7:55 AM, the first wave of aircraft and bombers arrive, targeting battleships, aircraft carriers, US army bases, and vessels. Ships are hit causing them to go aflame and oil to gush out onto the water. -
Phase 2 of the Attack
The first wave of the attack continues on, as phase 2 begins. The Japanese forces continue to lull in attacks, which lasted from 7:55-8:25 AM. The USS Arizona is hit, exploding and killing 1117 crew members. -
Phase 3 of the Attack
At 8:53 AM, the second wave begins. The planes were instructed to target the navy yard, fuel storage areas, and stop any escaping ships. The USS Nevada tried to escape from the harbor, driving the planes away after it which helped the Navy yard and fuel storage areas to survive the wreckage. -
Phase 4 of the Attack
As Phase 4 started and the second wave continued to rage on until 9:45 AM, dive bombers continued to bomb the area. Wheeler Army field was bombed, with over 300 parked aircraft being damaged/destroyed and only 8 US pilots managing to fly to defend Pearl Harbor. -
Phase 5 of the Attack
The attack concluded with Phase 5 at 9:45 AM. Casualties were high for the US, with over 3,000 men were killed that day, alongside the destruction of 188 planes and 18 ships. The Japanese only suffered the loss of fewer than 100 men, and only had 29 planes and 5 midget bombers destroyed. -
The US's Response to the Attack
The next day after the attack, President Roosevelt gives out a speech to the nation. He also urges Congress to declare war on Japan after they declared war on the US. The vote to go into war wins almost unanimously in Congress, marking the point where the US officially joins World War II.
