What?: A sneak attack by the Japanese navy on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii

Where?: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

When?: December 7th 1941

Who?: Admiral Yamamoto

Why?: Japan was hoping to either force America to end its embargo of war supplies or to cripple America’s military in hopes of an easy victory in war.

How?: Japanese planes launched from aircraft carriers struck while Japanese diplomats were negotiating in Washington.

Results:
1) The U.S. Pacific Fleet suffered substantial losses.
2)The U.S. declares war on Japan and her allies (Germany and Italy)

Associated Terms: 1) Sneak Attack, 2) Embargo, 3) Infamy.

Quote: “Yesterday, December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” - President Franklin Roosevelt to Congress Monday December 8th, 1941