#8: Japan’s Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)
Japan’s leaders had a clear goal on December 7, 1941: knock the U.S. Pacific Fleet out of the war with one surprise blow. The attack on Pearl Harbor was designed to cripple American naval power, giving Japan a free hand to expand its empire across Asia. The raid was devastating, sinking or damaging numerous ships and destroying hundreds of aircraft. But it failed in its most critical objectives. It missed America’s aircraft carriers, which were out at sea, and it failed to touch the naval base’s fuel storage or repair facilities. Most importantly, the attack ended America’s debate over isolationism and united the country for war. Japan woke a sleeping giant, just as one of its admirals reportedly feared.
