Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, a surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to the US entry into World War II and the start of the war in East Asia. This book offers a photographic guide to the naval station, Japanese plans, the attack, damage, cleanup, and memorials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2023
Publisher: Amber Books Ltd

“A date which will live in infamy.”—US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Sunday, December 7, 1941, was supposed to be a day of rest for the military personnel at Hawaiis Pearl Harbor naval base on the island of Oahu. But at 7:55 a.m., Japanese carrier-based planes launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet moored in the harbor. Thousands of lives were lost that day, drawing the United States into World War II and beginning a new phase of the war in East Asia.

In Pearl Harbor, our expert author offers a concise photographic guide to this key turning point in World War II. The book is divided into chapters covering the origins and military strength of the naval station; Japanese plans and dispositions; the attack itself; the damage caused; the clean-up operation and aftermath; and the life of the base today. See rare photographs of Japanese airplanes taking off to launch the attack; aerial views of the US naval base before and during the air attack; the destruction wrought; the key figures involved on both sides; and the memorials that have been erected, especially to the sunken battleship USS Arizona.

Pearl Harbor provides a photographic exploration of this momentous event and its aftermath in 160 dramatic photos.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating military strike by the Japanese Empire against the United States naval base located in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. The attack, which occurred during World War II, resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including those of military personnel and civilians. The attack marked a significant turning point in the war, as it led the United States to enter the conflict and eventually led to the defeat of Japan.

The attack began at around 7:55 a.m. local time when a fleet of Japanese aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes, launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet. The aircraft arrived undetected and launched a coordinated assault on the base, which was located in the Hawaiian Islands. The base was heavily fortified, with a large number of ships and aircraft moored in the harbor. However, the Japanese managed to surprise the US military, and the attack was devastating.

The Japanese aircraft launched a series of coordinated attacks on the base, including the bombing of the USS Arizona, a battleship that was moored at the port. The Arizona was hit by a Japanese torpedo, which caused it to sink rapidly. The sinking of the Arizona resulted in the loss of over 1,100 lives, including those of military personnel and civilians.

In addition to the sinking of the Arizona, the Japanese aircraft also bombed and strafed other ships and installations at the base, including the USS Oklahoma, a battleship that was moored nearby. The Oklahoma was hit by several bombs, which caused it to capsize and sink. The sinking of the Oklahoma resulted in the loss of over 400 lives, including those of military personnel and civilians.

The attack on Pearl Harbor also resulted in significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet, which was the largest and most powerful naval force in the world at the time. Many of the ships and aircraft at the base were damaged or destroyed, and the US military suffered significant losses. The attack also had a profound impact on the United States public, as it was seen as a direct attack on American sovereignty and democracy.

The response to the attack on Pearl Harbor was swift and decisive. The United States declared war on Japan the following day, and the war in the Pacific began. The United States also launched a massive air campaign against Japan, including the bombing of Tokyo and other major cities. The war in the Pacific was long and grueling, and it resulted in the deaths of millions of people, including both military personnel and civilians.

The attack on Pearl Harbor remains a significant event in American history, and it is commemorated every year on December 7th. The anniversary of the attack is a time to remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in the attack and to honor the bravery and resilience of those who fought in the war. The attack also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong and vigilant military to protect American interests and values.

In conclusion, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating military strike by the Japanese Empire that resulted in the loss of numerous lives and significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet. The attack marked a significant turning point in World War II and led the United States to enter the conflict. The response to the attack was swift and decisive, and the war in the Pacific was long and grueling. The attack remains a significant event in American history, and it is commemorated every year on December 7th.

Weight: 904g
Dimension: 195 x 252 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838862640