pearl harbor research paper outline

Home — Essay Samples — History — History of the United States — Pearl Harbor

Essays on Pearl Harbor

Pearl harbor essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: pearl harbor: the day that changed history.

Thesis Statement: This essay examines the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the devastating consequences of the attack, and the pivotal role it played in shaping the course of World War II and international relations.

• Introduction
• The Background: Japan's Expansionist Policies and U.S.-Japanese Relations
• The Attack on Pearl Harbor: Timeline and Key Details
• Consequences of the Attack: Military, Political, and Social Impact
• Pearl Harbor and World War II: U.S. Entry and the Road to Victory

Essay Title 2: Remembering Pearl Harbor: Commemoration, Memory, and Lessons Learned

Thesis Statement: This essay explores how Pearl Harbor is commemorated, remembered, and the lessons it imparts, including the importance of vigilance, diplomacy, and the enduring commitment to peace and global cooperation.

• Commemorating Pearl Harbor: Memorials, Museums, and Ceremonies
• Collective Memory and Its Role in Shaping National Identity
• The Lessons of Pearl Harbor: Diplomacy, Preparedness, and Peacekeeping
• Pearl Harbor's Relevance in Contemporary International Relations

Essay Title 3: The Intelligence Failure at Pearl Harbor: Unraveling the Causes and Consequences

Thesis Statement: This essay investigates the intelligence failures that led to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, analyzing the factors contributing to these failures and the far-reaching consequences they had on U.S. military strategy and intelligence practices.

• The Role of Intelligence in National Security
• Factors Contributing to the Intelligence Failure at Pearl Harbor
• Immediate and Long-term Consequences on U.S. Military Strategy
• Post-Pearl Harbor Reforms: Strengthening U.S. Intelligence Agencies

A Day of Infamy: Speech Analysis

Pearl harbor attack essay, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

A history and effects of the attack on pearl harbor, the japanese attack on pearl harbor, research of why japan bombed pearl harbour, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Research of The Impact of The Bombing of Pearl Harbor on Hawaii

The effects of the pearl harbor attack, the bombing of pearl harbor and the awakening of america, japanese attack on naval base in pearl harbor, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Pearl Harbor and Its Influence on The United States

An overview of the movie pearl harbor by michael bay, america’s darkest days: pearl harbor and 9/11, comparison of pearl harbor the movie vs the real-life attack, analysis on president franklin delano roosevelt's speech, analysis of battle for omaha beach, role of roosevelt during attack on pearl harbor, parallels between pearl harbor and 9/11 attack, ww2, pearl harbor and buffalo ny, the golden state of america, consequences of pearl harbor attack: manhattan project, why did the u.s. enter world war ii, why did japan bomb pearl harbor in 1941, pearl harbor dbq, roosevelt's pearl harbor speech summary.

December 7, 1941

Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, U.S.

The historical backdrop surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack holds paramount importance in comprehending the unfolding events on December 7, 1941. During that time, escalating tensions between the United States and Japan were driven by conflicting interests in the Pacific region. Japan, aiming to expand its empire, particularly in Southeast Asia, faced economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. due to Japanese aggression in China. Amidst these mounting hostilities, Japan meticulously devised a plan to incapacitate the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The element of surprise in the attack proved devastating, leading to the loss of countless American lives and the decimation of battleships, aircraft, and vital infrastructure. The assault on Pearl Harbor served as a catalyst for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's declaration of war against Japan, followed by subsequent declarations against Germany and Italy. The event profoundly influenced American public sentiment, galvanizing a unified national effort in support of the war.

Initial Air Assault: In the early hours of the morning, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise assault on the naval base. Waves of bombers and fighters targeted battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft stationed at Pearl Harbor. The attack resulted in extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Battleship Row: The Japanese bombers focused their attention on Battleship Row, where many of the U.S. battleships were moored. Several battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, were hit by torpedoes and bombs, leading to their sinking or severe damage. The USS Arizona became a symbol of the attack, as it remains submerged at the harbor as a memorial. Aerial Bombardment: The Japanese continued their assault, targeting other important military installations, airfields, and infrastructure around Pearl Harbor. Aircraft hangars, fuel storage facilities, and military aircraft were specifically targeted to incapacitate the U.S. forces. U.S. Response: Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, leading to the United States' formal entry into World War II.

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto: As the mastermind behind the attack, Admiral Yamamoto was the commander-in-chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet. He meticulously planned and executed the surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, recognizing its potential impact on the Pacific War. Lieutenant Commander Mitsuo Fuchida: Fuchida led the first wave of Japanese bombers during the attack. He famously radioed the code words "Tora! Tora! Tora!" to signify the successful surprise attack. Fuchida later became known for his efforts to reconcile Japan and the United States after the war. Captain Mervyn Bennion: Serving as the commanding officer of the USS West Virginia, Captain Bennion displayed exceptional leadership and bravery during the attack. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, he remained at his post, issuing orders and providing guidance to his crew. Dorie Miller: Miller, a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia, emerged as a hero during the attack. Despite having no formal training, he manned an anti-aircraft gun and shot down several enemy aircraft, displaying courage and resourcefulness. Lieutenant General Walter Short: Short was the commander of the U.S. Army forces in Hawaii during the attack. His decisions regarding defense preparations and the positioning of aircraft and equipment came under scrutiny and were subject to investigation after the attack.

U.S. Entry into World War II: The attack directly led to the United States' entry into the global conflict. Following the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a powerful speech to Congress, resulting in a declaration of war against Japan. This marked a turning point, as the United States officially joined the Allied forces in their fight against the Axis powers. National Unity and Mobilization: The attack on Pearl Harbor united the American public like never before. It galvanized support for the war effort, with citizens rallying behind the government and military. The nation mobilized its resources and industries to meet the demands of the war, propelling the United States into a total war footing. Shifting Priorities and Strategies: The attack forced the United States to reassess its military strategies and prioritize the Pacific theater. The focus shifted from a primarily European-centered war effort to a more balanced approach that addressed the threat in the Pacific. The Pacific theater became a critical battleground throughout the rest of the war. Technological and Strategic Advancements: The attack on Pearl Harbor highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional naval forces against aerial assaults. As a response, the United States invested heavily in aircraft carriers and advanced military technology. The war's subsequent naval battles in the Pacific showcased the importance of air power and aircraft carriers.

"Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970): This historical war film provides a detailed depiction of the events leading up to and including the attack on Pearl Harbor. It offers a balanced portrayal, showing both the American and Japanese perspectives. "Pearl Harbor" (2001): Directed by Michael Bay, this epic film dramatizes the attack on Pearl Harbor and its impact on the lives of fictional characters. While it incorporates fictional elements, it captures the intensity and devastation of the attack. "From Here to Eternity" by James Jones: This novel, published in 1951, explores the lives of U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It delves into the personal struggles and relationships of the characters amidst the impending tragedy. "Pearl Harbor: From Infamy to Greatness" by Craig Nelson: This non-fiction book provides a comprehensive account of the attack, its aftermath, and the United States' response. It draws on various sources to present a detailed and well-researched narrative. "Pearl Harbor: The Day of Infamy" by Susan Wels: This children's book presents the events of the Pearl Harbor attack in a digestible and informative manner. It helps young readers understand the historical significance of the attack and its impact on American history.

1. The attack resulted in the death of 2,403 Americans, including 68 civilians, and the injury of 1,178 others. 2. The attack damaged or destroyed eight battleships, three cruisers, and four destroyers, while also causing significant damage to other ships and aircraft. 3. The Japanese attack destroyed or damaged 188 U.S. aircraft, primarily targeting the parked planes at airfields. 4. The main targets of the attack were the U.S. Pacific Fleet's battleships at Pearl Harbor, the Army Air Forces' airfields, and the Naval Station at Kaneohe Bay. 5. The entire attack on Pearl Harbor lasted approximately two hours, with the initial wave of Japanese planes striking just before 8:00 a.m. 6. The sunken battleship USS Arizona serves as a memorial to the attack, with the majority of its crew members still entombed within the ship. 7. The attack on Pearl Harbor is commemorated annually on December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States.

The topic of the Pearl Harbor attack holds immense importance in understanding the course of World War II and its impact on the United States. Exploring this historical event in an essay allows for a deeper analysis of its significance. Firstly, the attack marked a pivotal moment in history as it propelled the United States into active participation in the war. It led to a fundamental shift in the nation's foreign policy, triggering a united response and shaping the outcome of the conflict. Secondly, studying the Pearl Harbor attack provides insights into the consequences of military unpreparedness and the importance of intelligence gathering and defense strategies. Additionally, the attack's enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the need for vigilance in safeguarding national security. By examining the Pearl Harbor attack, one gains a comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, and social factors that influenced its occurrence, leaving a lasting impact on both the United States and the global stage.

1. Goldstein, D. M., & Dillon, K. V. (2005). The Pearl Harbor papers: Inside the Japanese plans. Brassey's. 2. Gordon, D. (2016). The Pacific War: A short history with documents. Routledge. 3. Hoyt, E. P. (2000). Pearl Harbor. Da Capo Press. 4. Lord, W. (2012). Day of infamy. Open Road Media. 5. Parshall, J., & Tully, A. (2007). Shattered sword: The untold story of the Battle of Midway. Potomac Books. 6. Prange, G. W., Goldstein, D. M., & Dillon, K. V. (1982). At dawn we slept: The untold story of Pearl Harbor. Penguin Books. 7. Smith, C. L. (2016). Japan at war: An encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. 8. Spector, R. H. (1990). Eagle against the sun: The American war with Japan. Vintage Books. 9. Toland, J. (2003). Infamy: Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Berkley Trade. 10. Zimm, A. J. (2011). Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, combat, myths, deceptions. Casemate Publishers.

Relevant topics

• Great Depression
• American Revolution
• Westward Expansion
• Manifest Destiny
• Industrial Revolution
• Civil Rights Movement
• Frederick Douglass

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Pearl Harbor

By: History.com Editors

Updated: December 6, 2022 | Original: October 29, 2009

Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii, that was the scene of a devastating surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Just before 8 a.m. on that Sunday morning, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the base, where they managed to destroy or damage nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and over 300 airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including civilians, and another 1,000 people were wounded. The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan.

Japan and the Path to War

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise , but Japan and the United States had been edging toward war for decades.

The United States was particularly unhappy with Japan’s increasingly belligerent attitude toward China. The Japanese government believed that the only way to solve its economic and demographic problems was to expand into its neighbor’s territory and take over its import market.

To this end, Japan declared war on China in 1937, resulting in the Nanking Massacre and other atrocities.

American officials responded to this aggression with a battery of economic sanctions and trade embargoes. They reasoned that without access to money and goods, and especially essential supplies like oil, Japan would have to rein in its expansionism.

Instead, the sanctions made the Japanese more determined to stand their ground. During months of negotiations between Tokyo and Washington, D.C ., neither side would budge. It seemed that war was all but inevitable.

Where Is Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii , is located near the center of the Pacific Ocean, roughly 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland and about 4,000 miles from Japan. No one believed that the Japanese would start a war with an attack on the distant islands of Hawaii.

Additionally, American intelligence officials were confident that any Japanese attack would take place in one of the (relatively) nearby European colonies in the South Pacific: the Dutch East Indies, Singapore or Indochina .

Because American military leaders were not expecting an attack so close to home, the naval facilities at Pearl Harbor were relatively undefended. Almost the entire Pacific Fleet was moored around Ford Island in the harbor, and hundreds of airplanes were squeezed onto adjacent airfields.

To the Japanese, Pearl Harbor was an irresistibly easy target.

USS Arizona

The Japanese plan was simple: Destroy the Pacific Fleet. That way, the Americans would not be able to fight back as Japan’s armed forces spread across the South Pacific. On December 7, after months of planning and practice, the Japanese launched their attack.

At about 8 a.m., Japanese planes filled the sky over Pearl Harbor. Bombs and bullets rained onto the vessels moored below. At 8:10, a 1,800-pound bomb smashed through the deck of the battleship USS Arizona and landed in her forward ammunition magazine. The ship exploded and sank with more than 1,000 men trapped inside.

Next, torpedoes pierced the shell of the battleship USS Oklahoma . With 400 sailors aboard, the Oklahoma lost her balance, rolled onto her side and slipped underwater.

Less than two hours later, the surprise attack was over, and every battleship in Pearl Harbor— USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS Nevada —had sustained significant damage. (All but USS Arizona and USS Utah were eventually salvaged and repaired.)

Impact of the Pearl Harbor Attack

In all, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor crippled or destroyed nearly 20 American ships and more than 300 airplanes. Dry docks and airfields were likewise destroyed. Most importantly, more than 2,000 people died.

But the Japanese had failed to cripple the Pacific Fleet. By the 1940s, battleships were no longer the most important naval vessel: Aircraft carriers were, and as it happened, all of the Pacific Fleet’s carriers were away from the base on December 7. (Some had returned to the mainland and others were delivering planes to troops on Midway and Wake Islands.)

Moreover, the Pearl Harbor assault had left the base’s most vital onshore facilities—oil storage depots, repair shops, shipyards and submarine docks—intact. As a result, the U.S. Navy was able to rebound relatively quickly from the attack.

How Many People Died in Pearl Harbor? 

The attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 U.S. personnel , including sailors, soldiers and civilians. Additionally, 1,178 people were wounded. 129 Japanese soldiers were killed. 

Half of the dead at Pearl Harbor were on the USS Arizona. Today the sunken battleship serves as a memorial to all Americans who died in the attack.

'A Date Which Will Live in Infamy'

President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on December 8, the day after the crushing attack on Pearl Harbor.

“Yesterday, December 7, 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.”

He went on to say, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.”

America Enters World War II

After the Pearl Harbor attack, and for the first time during years of discussion and debate, the American people were united in their determination to go to war.

The Japanese had wanted to goad the United States into an agreement to lift the economic sanctions against them; instead, they had pushed their adversary into a global conflict that ultimately resulted in Japan’s first occupation by a foreign power.

Did you know? The single vote against Congress's declaration of war against Japan came from Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana. Rankin was a pacifist who had also voted against the American entrance into World War I. "As a woman," she said, "I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else."

On December 8, Congress approved Roosevelt’s declaration of war on Japan . Three days later, Japan’s allies Germany and Italy declared war against the United States.

For the second time, Congress reciprocated, declaring war on the European powers. More than two years after the start of World War II , the United States had entered the conflict.

HISTORY Vault: Pearl Harbor - 75 Years Later

Journey through the "day that will live in infamy" by exploring the details that still surprise us 75 years later, including accounts from experts, military minds, and even those who lived through it.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

Pearl Harbor at 75

Seventy-five years ago on the morning of December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaii Territory.

Seventy-five years ago, on the morning of December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaii Territory. In President Roosevelt’s address to Congress asking for a declaration of war, he called it a “day which will live in infamy.”

The Japanese hoped that the 184 aircraft in their first wave of attack would strike a paralyzing blow. They hit 24 American warships, including eight battleships (four of which sunk), destroyed several hundred aircraft, and killed 2,403 people. The blow, however, was far from paralyzing.

The attack has been called the worst military disaster ever suffered by the U.S. But political scientist John Mueller argues that, militarily, the attack was more of “an inconvenience than a catastrophe” for the U.S. He echoes the Navy Department’s official analysis: the attack only “temporarily disabled every battleship and most of the aircraft,” most of which were soon back in service or replaced many times over. Six of the eight damaged battleships actually saw service again. Only two ships hit at Pearl were complete losses.

The salvaged battleships—the youngest was 20 years old—mattered little in context of the unprecedented American industrial-military expansion unleashed by the war. Superior replacements in great numbers soon flooded the Pacific, where aircraft carriers were becoming infinitely more important than battleships in the new era of naval warfare. For airplanes, the situation was similar: in 1942, the U.S. produced 47,836 military aircraft, compared to Japan’s 8,86l.

The Japanese utterly failed to cripple the American navy. Some have argued that the attack was engineered to gain time for the simultaneous Japanese attacks on U.S. bases on the Philippines, Guam, and Wake, as well as on the British positions in Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Mueller and others respond that the U.S. was in no way prepared to fight those battles yet.

Weekly Newsletter

Get your fix of JSTOR Daily’s best stories in your inbox each Thursday.

Privacy Policy   Contact Us You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the provided link on any marketing message.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, appointed chief of the Pacific Fleet just weeks after the attack, would later thank God that the antique fleet had been in Pearl Harbor rather on the open sea confronting a modern Japanese fleet. He felt the losses would have been far greater in those circumstances.

Mueller does go on to argue that “disaster” is a fitting word to describe Pearl Harbor if you look at the strategic and political consequences. It was certainly a monumental disaster for Imperial Japan. As an attempt to defeat the will of the American people, the attack “was phenomenally successful in its shock effect, but the shock was exactly the opposite the Japanese hoped for.”

JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. JSTOR Daily readers can access the original research behind our articles for free on JSTOR.

Get Our Newsletter

More stories.

• Eurasianism: A Primer 

• Saffron: The Story of the World’s Most Expensive Spice

• The Fencing Moral Panic of Elizabethan London

Missouri Compromise of 1820: Annotated

Recent posts.

• The Genius of Georgette Chen
• “Spaghettification”: How Black Holes Stretch Objects into Oblivion

Support JSTOR Daily

Sign up for our weekly newsletter.