Intro
Discover the pivotal events of Battleships at Pearl Harbor, a fateful day in history that changed the course of World War II. Learn about the surprise attack, USS Arizona, and USS Oklahoma, and how this devastating event led to the US entry into the war, commemorated annually on December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The attack on Pearl Harbor, which took place on December 7, 1941, is one of the most infamous events in modern history. The surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulted in the loss of thousands of American lives and drew the United States into World War II. At the center of the attack were the battleships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which were stationed at Pearl Harbor. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the attack, the role of the battleships, and the aftermath of the devastating day.
The Events Leading Up to the Attack
In the months leading up to the attack, tensions between the United States and Japan had been escalating. Japan had been expanding its empire in Asia, and the U.S. had imposed economic sanctions in an attempt to curb its aggression. However, these sanctions only served to anger the Japanese, who saw them as an attempt to strangle their economy.
In response, the Japanese government, led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, began planning a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. The goal of the attack was to weaken the U.S. enough to prevent it from interfering with Japan's plans for expansion in Asia.
The Battleships at Pearl Harbor
The U.S. Pacific Fleet, which was stationed at Pearl Harbor, was a formidable force. It consisted of eight battleships, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, and USS Nevada. These battleships were the pride of the U.S. Navy and were seen as the backbone of the fleet.
However, on the morning of December 7, 1941, the battleships were not prepared for battle. Many of them were still at anchor, and their crews were not on high alert. The Japanese attack caught the U.S. by surprise, and the battleships were quickly overwhelmed.
The Attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:55 a.m. Hawaiian Time, when the first wave of bombers and fighters descended upon the naval base. The battleships were quickly targeted, and the USS Arizona was the first to be hit. A 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb struck the ship's forward magazine, causing a massive explosion that killed 1,177 crew members.
The other battleships were also hit, with the USS Oklahoma suffering the second-most casualties. The ship was struck by four torpedoes and two bombs, causing it to capsize. A total of 415 crew members were killed.
The Aftermath
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the loss of 2,403 American lives and the destruction of much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The battleships were particularly hard hit, with four of them sunk and the others damaged.
However, the attack also had a profound impact on the United States, drawing the country into World War II. The U.S. declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, and subsequently on Germany and Italy.
The Legacy of the Battleships
The battleships that were lost at Pearl Harbor will always be remembered as a symbol of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who served on them. The USS Arizona Memorial, which was built over the sunken hull of the ship, is one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii and serves as a reminder of the events of that fateful day.
Gallery of Battleships at Pearl Harbor
Battleships at Pearl Harbor Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
+The purpose of the attack on Pearl Harbor was to weaken the U.S. enough to prevent it from interfering with Japan's plans for expansion in Asia.
How many battleships were lost at Pearl Harbor?
+Four battleships were lost at Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, and USS West Virginia.
What was the significance of the USS Arizona Memorial?
+The USS Arizona Memorial is a symbol of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who served on the USS Arizona and other battleships at Pearl Harbor.
In conclusion, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in world history, drawing the United States into World War II and resulting in the loss of thousands of American lives. The battleships that were lost at Pearl Harbor will always be remembered as a symbol of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who served on them.