The attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the people of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. For the many men and women living on the island, it was just a normal, quiet Sunday morning before all hell broke loose. Those living on the island were completely unaware of the potential danger that was about to be inflicted on them. As a result, the surprise attack completely caught them off guard, leaving them in shock and confusion.
For the many men and women who lived on the island of Pearl Harbor, the morning of December 7th, 1941 started off as just another quiet Sunday morning. Everyone was going about their normal routines. The sky was clear and the sun was shining, and there was no indication that anything out of the ordinary was about to happen. Little did they know that in a few short hours, their peaceful morning would be shattered by the sudden and unexpected attack that would tip the scales, finally pulling the US into the second great world war.
The attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:48 a.m. and lasted one hour and 15 minuets. During this time, the Japanese planes inflicted massive destruction, sinking four battleships, damaging three cruisers and three destroyers, destroying 188 aircraft, and killing 2,403 people. The chaos of the attack was undeniable, with people running for cover and explosions going off all around.
The aftermath was one of shock and disbelief for those living on the island. The attack left a path of destruction, with buildings, ships, and aircraft destroyed and many lives taken. The island, which had been so peaceful and tranquil just moments before, was now one of destruction and confusion.
For many, the attack was a life-changing event, one that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, and the US entered World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in history, as it marked the beginning of the US involvement in the war and set the stage for many of the events that would follow.
