Why Was Japan’s Attack on Hawaii a Strategic Move?
What made Japan's attack on Hawaii a strategic move?
a) Hawaii was a tourist destination, not an important military post.
b) Hawaii was where a large portion of the Pacific fleet was sheltered.
c) Hawaii was where US naval power was the weakest.
d) Hawaii was where US land troops awaited battle.
Answer:
The correct answer is B) Hawaii was where a large portion of the Pacific fleet was sheltered.
Japan’s attack on Hawaii was a strategic move because Hawaii was where a large portion of the Pacific fleet was sheltered. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Army launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base located in Pearl Harbor, near Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Japanese Air Force conducted an aerial assault on the American fleet, resulting in the destruction of numerous naval vessels, battleships, and around 300 airplanes. The attack also caused over 1000 casualties among American personnel.
As a result of this devastating attack, the naval infrastructure of the United States was severely damaged. In response to the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked the US Congress to declare war against Japan on December 8, 1941. This marked the entry of the United States into World War II.