The Significance 

Short-Term:

Japan's effect on Pearl Harbor was a significant change in the war.

“In all, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor crippled or destroyed nearly 20 American ships and more than 300 airplanes. Dry docks and airfields were likewise destroyed. Most importantly, more than 2,000 people died.” (-Pearl Harbor: Impact of the Pearl Harbor Attack.)

In the evidence it talks about how many U.S ships were damaged and many soldiers were injured or killed. This left a major impact on how the U.S. entered the war. What this attack also did was fuel The U.S’s revenge for Japan.

Long-Term: Pearl Harbor is still celebrated to remember the brave souls that died during the day Pearl Harbor was bombed.

The battle was not an American victory. Though it was not the strategic defeat Japan hoped it would be, it was certainly a tactical defeat for the Americans. Most countries celebrate the glory of decisive victory. Yet, of all the battlefields where Americans have fought and died, we choose to yearly commemorate an indecisive defeat (Lythgoe). 

In the excerpt above, it says that most countries celebrate victories they have achieved but America chose to celebrate a loss and that's because Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in the modern history of America and the world; How America responded to Pearl Harbor would determine the outcome of the Second World War. 

It shows a newspaper that says the U.S. is declaring war on Japan for attacking Pearl Harbor. It shows how there were 1,500 casualties and there were hostile planes spotted in San Francisco. In the text it also shows how there was only one negative vote for the U.S. to declare war on Japan, showing that most people agreed on what had to happen because of this attack.WORLD WAR II: HEADLINE, 1941. - The front page of 'The New York Times,' 9 December 1941, announcing the United States' declaration of war with Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The Granger Collection / Universal Images Group

Rights Managed

WORLD WAR II: HEADLINE, 1941. - The front page of 'The New York Times,' 9 December 1941, announcing the United States' declaration of war with Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The Granger Collection / Universal Images Group

Rights Managed