- Loss of life and destruction: The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans and the destruction of numerous ships and aircraft. The attack also caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the Pearl Harbor naval base.
- Declaration of war: In response to the attack, the United States declared war on Japan the following day, December 8, 1941. This marked the official entry of the United States into World War II.
- Mobilization of the military: The attack on Pearl Harbor led to a massive mobilization of the United States military. Millions of Americans enlisted in the armed forces, and the government began to rapidly expand its production of war materiel.
- Internment of Japanese-Americans: In the aftermath of the attack, the United States government ordered the internment of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans, most of whom were American citizens. This internment was based on the fear that Japanese-Americans might be disloyal to the United States.
- Change in public opinion: The attack on Pearl Harbor had a profound impact on American public opinion. Prior to the attack, many Americans were opposed to entering World War II. However, after the attack, public opinion shifted in favor of war, and Americans were now willing to fight to defeat Japan.
Long-Term Effects
- Cold War: The attack on Pearl Harbor is often seen as the catalyst for the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. After the war, the United States emerged as the world's dominant superpower, while the Soviet Union became the second most powerful country. The two countries competed for influence around the world, and their rivalry eventually led to the Cold War.
- Nuclear weapons: The attack on Pearl Harbor also led to the development of nuclear weapons. In response to the attack, the United States began a secret project to develop an atomic bomb. The successful test of the atomic bomb in 1945 led to the end of World War II, but also ushered in the era of nuclear weapons.
- Global superpower: The attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent victory in World War II established the United States as a global superpower. The United States emerged from the war with a strong economy, a powerful military, and a significant role in international affairs.
- New technologies: The attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent war also led to the development of new technologies, such as radar, jet engines, and antibiotics. These technologies would have a profound impact on the world after the war.
- Cultural change: The attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent war also had a significant impact on American culture. The war led to a renewed sense of patriotism and a greater appreciation for the military. The war also led to changes in the way Americans thought about race and gender.