WWIINaval Archives
7 December 1941 • Pacific Ocean

Attack on Pearl Harbor

Major Tactical Japanese Victory

Background

A surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy upon the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.

Naval Forces

Japan: 6 fleet carriers, 2 battleships, 3 cruisers. US: 8 battleships, 8 cruisers, 30 destroyers in harbor.

Historical Significance

Precipitated the United States' entry into World War II.