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4.4.2.wavOn December 7th, 1941, Japan launched a devastating surprise attack on U.S. military bases in Pearl Harbor. Japanese carriers launched over 300 warplanes to bomb the U.S. fleet and airfields there. Four battleships, including the U.S.S. Arizona, were sunk. In addition, a dozen other ships were seriously damaged, and over 300 aircraft were damaged or destroyed. 2,400 died in the attack. Later that day, Japanese forces invaded U.S. bases in the Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island, all of which fell to the Japanese forces.
The next day, President Roosevelt called the attack "a date which will live in infamy." In asking Congress to declare war, he promised, "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. "
Sinking of U.S.S Arizona
Japanese Empire, 1942
With the American Pacific fleet recovering from its losses at Pearl Harbor, Japan went on the offensive. Within 4 months, Japan captured the Philippines (an American colony), Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, New Guinea, and scores of Pacific islands.
The fortification of Alaska now became an urgent national priority. People were afraid that Alaska would be used as a stepping stone to attack the mainland. Just as with the Gold Rush, World War II would be a transformational event for Alaska.
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