Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is an American Navy base in Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes suddenly attacked it. The attack happened early on a Sunday morning. Many ships and planes were damaged, and many people died. The next day, the United States joined World War II.

The Surprise Attack

The United States was not at war that morning. Japanese planes flew over Pearl Harbor and dropped bombs. They hit battleships, airplanes, and buildings. The attack lasted only about two hours. It shocked the whole country and the world.

Joining the War

The day after the attack, President Franklin Roosevelt gave a famous speech. He called December 7 'a date which will live in infamy.' The United States declared war on Japan right away. Soon, it was fighting in both Europe and the Pacific. The war lasted until 1945.

Fun Facts

• The USS Arizona ship is still at the bottom of Pearl Harbor today.
• More than 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack.
• A memorial built over the USS Arizona honors the sailors who died.

Did You Know?

Every year on December 7, Americans remember Pearl Harbor on a special day called National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.