Historical1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Empire of Japan launched a surprise military attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and damaging or destroying much of the Pacific Fleet. The next day, Congress declared war with only one dissenting vote.
Why It Matters
The attack unified the nation and demonstrated how Congress exercises its constitutional power to declare war, transforming the United States into the leading military power of the 20th century.