Pearl Harbor: A Day of Infamy

Questions: 5

Grade: 8

Words: 177

Text

Text & Questions

Text, Questions & Answers

Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base located in Hawaii, is nestled among the Pacific islands. Known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful terrain, it also held great strategic importance during World War II. On December 7, 1941, a day that President Roosevelt described as a 'date which will live in infamy', Pearl Harbor was targeted in a surprise military attack by the Japanese. The early morning calm was shattered as hundreds of Japanese planes rained down bombs and torpedoes on the harbor. The attack left a trail of destruction, sinking 12 American naval vessels and destroying nearly 200 aircraft. Sadly, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives with another 1,000 wounded. The attack shocked the nation, erasing any remaining isolationist sentiments and propelling the U.S. into World War II. The event marked a turning point in history, prompting changes in military tactics and leading to the eventual end of the war. The attack on Pearl Harbor serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war. It underscores the importance of peace and the role of diplomacy in resolving international disputes.

Question 1

What was the extent of the damage caused by the attack on Pearl Harbor?

10 naval vessels sank and 100 aircraft were destroyed

12 naval vessels sank and nearly 200 aircraft were destroyed

Explanation. The attack left a trail of destruction, sinking 12 American naval vessels and destroying nearly 200 aircraft.

15 naval vessels sank and 300 aircraft were destroyed

20 naval vessels sank and 400 aircraft were destroyed

Question 2

What was the immediate effect of the Pearl Harbor attack on the U.S.?

The U.S. declared war on Japan

Explanation. The Pearl Harbor attack shocked the nation, erasing any remaining isolationist sentiments and propelling the U.S. into World War II.

The U.S. declared war on Germany

The U.S. declared peace with Japan

The U.S. declared neutrality

The U.S. declared war on Italy

Question 3

What was the primary purpose of the Pearl Harbor attack from Japan's perspective?

To destroy the U.S. naval fleet

Explanation. Japan's primary goal with the Pearl Harbor attack was to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which was a significant threat to Japanese operations in the Pacific.

To take control of Hawaii

To start a war with the U.S.

To prove their military strength

To annex Pearl Harbor

Question 4

What is the long-term significance of the Pearl Harbor attack today?

It marks the beginning of World War I

It is celebrated as a victory day in the U.S.

It serves as a reminder of the cost of war

Explanation. The attack on Pearl Harbor serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war. It underscores the importance of peace and the role of diplomacy in resolving international disputes.