What significant event took place on December 7, 1941?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in World War II and a turning point for the United States. This surprise military strike was carried out by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. The attack led to the destruction of numerous ships and the loss of over 2,400 American lives, causing significant damage to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy.

Following this event, the United States declared war on Japan the next day, December 8, 1941, which marked its formal entry into World War II. The attack profoundly shifted public opinion and galvanized American support for involvement in the war, thereby altering the course of history. The repercussions of this attack were felt not only in the immediate military response but also in the subsequent global conflict, which ultimately involved many nations around the world.