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Planning Begins
In early 1941, Japanese Commander, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, began planning a surprise attack on America. This attack was to take place in Pearl Harbor, and was meant to surprise the U.S. Fleet, so that the Japanese could take over their territory. -
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Pearl Harbor Attacked
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Plans Completed
By this time, plans had been made to invade Malaya, the Philippines, and the Netherlands East Indies, before attack the American Naval Base in Pearl Harbor. -
Submarines Begin Journey Across Pacific
In mid-November, the Japanese began their journey across the pacific, to begin the battle that would essentially bring America into the battle. -
Japanese Attack Surrounding Areas
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese first attacked The Phillippine Islands, Wake Island and Midway Island. -
Japanese Attack Pearl Harbor
Map of advance
The Japanese began the attack under the water. "Midget" submarines (two-man subs) were launched off of larger submarines towards shore. The attack began at 6am, finishing shortly after at 10am. Shortly after the submarine attack, the aircrafts attacked in three waves. -
The Aftermath
There were many casualties due to this battle. The American Military suffered over 4,000 casualties. The Japanese suffered material loss, having had destroyed 29 aircraft, five midget subs, and one large sub. Shortly after the battle, President Franklin Roosevelt declared that "a state of war existed" between themselves and Japan. -
Germany and Italy Declare War
Just four days following the Pearl Harbor attack, Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S.
