Pearl Harbor: Japan's Attack and America's Entry into World War II

On December 7, 1941, Japanese torpedo bombers launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor, resulting in the deaths of over 2,400 American soldiers and the sinking or damaging of 18 ships and nearly 350 aircraft. Takuma Melber's book provides a new perspective on the events by focusing on the Japanese attackers, shedding light on the long negotiations between the Japanese and Americans and the confusion and argument among the Japanese political and military elite. The book also covers the second raid in March 1942 by two long-range seaplanes intended to destroy the shipyards. This balanced and thoroughly researched book deepens our understanding of the battle that precipitated America's entry into the war and appeals to anyone interested in World War II and military history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

On December 7, 1941, a surprise attack was launched by Japanese torpedo bombers on the US Pacific fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The devastating attack claimed the lives of over 2,400 American soldiers, sank or damaged 18 ships, and destroyed nearly 350 aircraft. The following day, the US Congress declared war on Japan.

In his book, Takuma Melber offers a fresh perspective on the events leading up to, during, and after Pearl Harbor by placing the viewpoint of the Japanese attackers at the forefront. This dimension is often overlooked in other histories of the battle, providing Melber with the opportunity to present a more comprehensive, accurate, and authoritative account. Melber delves into the lengthy negotiations between the Japanese and Americans in 1941, highlighting the confusion and disagreements among the Japanese political and military elite. He sheds light on how US intelligence and military leaders in Washington failed to correctly interpret the information they had and to draw the necessary conclusions about the Japanese war intentions in advance of the attack.

His account of the battle is informed by the latest research and includes the planning and post-raid assessment by the Japanese commanders. Additionally, he covers the second raid in March 1942 by two long-range seaplanes, which was intended to destroy the shipyards to prevent the repair of damaged ships from the initial attack.

This balanced and thoroughly researched book deepens our understanding of the battle that precipitated America's entry into World War II and will appeal to anyone interested in military history and World War II.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509554911