In the morning of December 7, 1941, Japan launched a major surprise strike against the United States naval base at Pearl harbour that killed 2,000 U.S. personnel, destroyed or severely damaged 347 aircrafts and 18 ships. The attack on Pearl harbour was designed to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.

The attack brought the United States into World War II and served as one of the most important historical events in the twenties century.