How Did This Military Strike by the Japanese Navy Affect the World War II?
The World War II is considered to be one of the most violent and grand-scale military conflicts not for nothing. Having encompassed a vast majority of the world’s nations, it left its mark in the history of country-participant through battles, territory invasions, captures, etc.
One of the most powerful economies, the USA did not stay aside and entered the war after an unexpected, devastating attack on Pearl-Harbor by the Japanese Navy.
Despite the fact that, according to Prange (1991), the confrontation between the USA and Japan by the beginning of the war had lasted for several decades during which Japan had been establishing firm positions via military attacks and occupation, the USA had been refraining from the war and preferred peaceful measures: economical sanctions, negotiations.
However, on the 7th of December, 1941 the base on Oahu Island, home of the US Fleet, was unexpectedly attacked by the Japanese forces. Their main goal was to inflict the maximum damage on the American fleet. According to Zimm (2012), 2 400 of the Americans were killed, over 340 aircraft and 20 battleships were destroyed. The following day the USA declared war against Japan and 3 days after Germany and Italy declared war against the USA.
The important consequence of Pearl-Harbor was the USA war entering. This unanimous desire for retribution united the nation, revealed the sincere patriotism in the American people. This spirit of unity, conversed many citizens into brave soldiers. The booming shipbuilding, 24-hours working factories helped not only restore the devastations, but also extended the industrial capacity.
Secondly, the Allied forces got a strong ally who contributed greatly to the outcome of the war, both by the humanitarian aid and military participation. No doubt, the USA’s cooperation was invaluable. The USA maintained many bombings, sea battles and raids. Their great contribution to the common goal undoubtedly resulted into Axis’s defeat.
Works Cited
Goldstein D.M.; Dillon K.V (1990). God’s Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor. Brassey’s (UK) Ltd.
Prange G.W.; Goldstein D.M.; Dillon V.K. (1991). Pearl Harbor: The Verdict of History. Penguin Books.
Zimm, A.A. (2012).The Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions. Philadelphia, PENN: Casemate Publishers.
