The Bombing Of Pearl Harbor - 1021 Words

The past 120 years have brought many changes, as well as surprises, to the United States of America. There have been inventions such as the automobile, the airplane, the television and even travel in space. There have been changes like the World Wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression and the cold war. Through the years, the American people have encountered joy, peace, and tragedy. One of the greatest tragedies experienced by Americans occurred on Sunday, December 7, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor Naval Base. One could consider this incident the first act of terrorism against America. The attack and defeat of the United States at Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. This single act left a tremendous impact on society and is†¦show more content†¦In July 1940, the U.S. placed an embargo on Japan, hoping they would restrain Japan s military aggression in China. Japan, a proud nation, would not hear of being dictated to by the United States and began to prepare for the attack on Pearl Harbor in early 1941. Meanwhile, there was some warning of the attack on America, but it went without being duly acknowledged. The day before the attack occurred, a code-breaker intercepted a message from the Japanese concerning the movement of ships at Pearl Harbor. The operator relayed the message to the superior officers who said they would get back to the radioman on Monday, December 8, 1941 (Socolow 43). Also, on the morning of the attack, a radar operator saw a large group of airplanes on the radar screen, and when he reported this, the senior officer said it was probably just some US Bombers and not to worry about them (HistoryNet.Com). The Japanese planes flew under the radar by flying through a pass in the mountains called Kolekole Pass. This maneuver added to the surprise of the attack. The frantic attack began on Sunday at 7:55 in the morning. A little before ten the entire attack was over (Pearl Harbor, Attack On). The men of Pearl Harbor fought with valor. The battleships, primary targets in the attack, remained anchored along an area referred to as â€Å"Battleship Row†. Within minutes after the assault began the USS Arizona sunk to the bottom of the bay taking 1,177 lives with her