When America joined the Second World War, everything changed. For years, they had maintained their distance, as the public didn’t support any form of full-scale intervention. After 1940 and the Fall of France, public opinion did begin to shift, but it wasn’t until one fateful day the following year that America’s path became clear.
On the 7th of December, 1941, Peal Harbour was attacked by Japanese Forces. The assault was unexpected and unprovoked, and was not proceeded by any official declaration of war. Caught off guard, the US suffered terrible losses – more than 2000 American lives were lost.
On top of this, Japanese forces were able to sink several warships, wreak devastation on the harbor’s infrastructure and leave more than 1000 wounded. They themselves suffered minimal damages in comparison with the US, losing only 64 men. For the Americans, the attack – later recognized as a war crime – was truly devastating.
However, as a direct result of that infamous engagement, America joined the Allies. Public opinion changed overnight and, within days, the US declared war not only on Japan, but on Germany and Italy too. They threw the full weight of their military might against the Axis powers, fighting alongside the Allies to liberate Europe and to push the Japanese back in the South Pacific theater. Ultimately, this may have been the deciding factor in turning the tide of the Second World War.
On both sides, there were key figures altering the course of history on 7 December. In this video, viewers are introduced to five people in particular who changed history at that pivotal moment. Presented by Steve Twomey, an author and historian, it gives us insight into the individuals who shaped the events of the attack, from the perspective of both the Japanese and the Americans.
Leave a Comment