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Japan attacks the US naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in an attempt to stop the US from retaliating as they launch their conquest into the Pacific. -
Congress signs the declaration of war on Japan. Germany then declares war on America, entering them into the European theater as well -
Major battle between the US and Japanese naval fleets. It was the first battle where ships neither sighted or fired directly upon each other. Although it was a Japanese tactical victory, it severely weakened the Japanese Navy. -
The Japanese Navy launches an attack on the island of Midway. However, they were unaware that the US knew they were planning an attack. 4 Japanese carriers were sank during the battle and it is considered the turning point of the war for Japan. -
America drops the first atomic bomb, known as "Little Man", in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Was carried by the plane "Enola Gay". Truman made the decision in hopes of sparing American lives. Withing two minutes, 60,000 residents were dead or missing. -
The Japanese leaders debated on surrendering after the first bomb. Fearing they would not surrender Truman decided to give the order to drop the second bomb. This same day the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. 35,000 people were killed. -
Japan surrenders ending the war in the Pacific. General Anami killed himself on August 15, 1945 saying "I humbly apologize for my great crime." His "great crime" was not stopping the surrender of Japan.