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Japan invades Manchuria, marking the beginning of its expansionist policies in Asia. -
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The Marco Polo Bridge Incident triggers the Second Sino-Japanese War. -
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The United States imposes an embargo on Japan, including restrictions on oil and scrap metal exports. -
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The United States freezes Japanese assets in response to Japan's occupation of French Indochina. -
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Japan mobilizes its navy and army, signaling preparations for potential conflict. -
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Japanese leaders decide to pursue a military solution to secure access to resources in Southeast Asia. -
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Japanese naval leaders begin planning for an attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. -
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The U.S. Pacific Fleet, including aircraft carriers, departs Pearl Harbor for training exercises. -
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Japanese forces depart for the attack on Pearl Harbor. -
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6:00 AM: Japanese aircraft carriers launch the first wave of planes towards Pearl Harbor.
7:55 AM: Japanese planes initiate the attack on Pearl Harbor, catching the U.S. by surprise.
- 8:10 AM: The USS Arizona explodes and sinks after a direct hit on its ammunition magazine.
- 8:55 AM: The second wave of Japanese planes arrives, continuing the assault.
- 9:45 AM: The attack on Pearl Harbor ends, leaving over 2,400 Americans dead and numerous ships damaged or destroyed. -
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The United States declares war on Japan, officially entering World War II. -
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Germany and Italy declare war on the United States, expanding the conflict into a global war. -
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The United States defeats Japan in the Battle of Midway, turning the tide of the Pacific War. -
Period: to
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The United States launches island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific, gradually pushing Japanese forces back towards Japan. -
Period: to
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The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. -
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Long-term effects on U.S. foreign policy and military strategy:
- Pearl Harbor catalyzed a shift towards interventionism and global leadership, solidifying the U.S. as a superpower post-World War II.
- The ensuing Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union heavily influenced U.S. military strategy and foreign policy.
- Establishment of international institutions like the United Nations aimed to prevent conflicts and foster global cooperation. -
Analysis and reflection
The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to interventionism and global leadership. It also fostered national unity and massive mobilization both militarily and economically. The vulnerability exposed at Pearl Harbor drove new military strategies and substantial investments in technology and infrastructure. Economically, the country faced significant consequences but also experienced growth fueled by resource mobilization for the war effort.