Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Fleet

Pearl Harbor: A Historic and Captivating Naval Base


Pearl Harbor is one of the world's most visited sites. It's a major tourist attraction on Hawai'i and is home to the Pacific Fleet. This historic and captivating naval base has been the envy of many nations.

The History of Pearl Harbor


The history of pearl harbor dates back to 1887, when the Hawaiian Kingdom agreed to allow the United States to build and maintain a coaling and repair station at Pearl Harbor. This was in response to the Spanish-American War and America's desire to have a permanent presence in the Pacific.

For the next 60 years, Pearl Harbor remained virtually unfortified and unguarded. This was a dangerous situation for the U.S. Navy, especially as Japan's military had become deeply engaged in the China war of 1937-1938 and posed a significant threat to American trade and commerce.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor


In 1941, Japan was planning a massive attack against the US fleet. Their goal was to destroy America's ability to defend themselves in the Pacific. This would allow them to take control of the Philippines, Guam, and American island holdings.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft carriers and submarines launched a surprise attack against the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii. This was the beginning of a long, bloody conflict that eventually led to World War II.

The Response and Declaration of War


President Franklin Roosevelt was at the White House when he learned of the attack. He immediately began preparing to address Congress on the declaration of war that he planned to request the following day.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a disaster, and it paved the way for the United States to enter World War II. It also brought the country together and rallied Americans to support a fight against Axis powers.

After the attack, Roosevelt declared a state of emergency and ordered a reorganization of the War Department. It was also time to put all of the US's troops on active duty.

On December 8th, Roosevelt delivered his speech, and Congress quickly passed a declaration of war on Japan. This marked the start of the longest war in American history.

The Importance and Impact of Pearl Harbor


At the end of his speech, Roosevelt urged the nation to rise up and fight for the "same ideals that have always guided our national life." The speech also included a call for the American people to stand together against any tyranny.

This was a bold move, and it worked! A Gallup poll after the war showed that 97% of the population approved of the decision.

In 1940, after the fall of France and Vichy Germany, Japan began to seize French Indochina. In response, the US moved the majority of its Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor in what was believed to be a deterrent to Japanese aggression.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the United States into World War II, a conflict that would ultimately result in the death of over 20 million soldiers. It was a major turning point in the war and one of the most important events in history.

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