The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Date that Will Live in Infamy

What event led President Roosevelt to consider December 7, 1941 a "date that will live in infamy"?

A. Declaration of war on Germany
B. Bombing of London
C. Attack on Pearl Harbor
D. Invasion of Normandy

Answer:

Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

In the early hours of December 7, 1941, the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was the target of a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy. This attack, which was a pivotal moment in World War II, led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to famously describe the date as "a date which will live in infamy."

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans and left more than 1,100 others wounded. The Japanese aircraft destroyed or damaged numerous U.S. ships and aircraft, including the sinking of four battleships. This catastrophic event marked the entry of the United States into World War II, as President Roosevelt swiftly declared war on Japan in response to the aggression.

The significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor cannot be overstated. It galvanized the American people and unified the nation behind the war effort. It also prompted Congress to authorize military action against the Axis powers, leading to a new chapter in history where the United States played a decisive role in the global conflict.

President Roosevelt's address to Congress following the attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most iconic speeches in American history. His call for a united front against the forces of tyranny and oppression resonated with the American people and set the stage for a long and arduous struggle that would ultimately culminate in victory for the Allies.