On December 7, 1941, a tragic event called the bombing of Pearl Harbor happened in Hawaii, USA. This event was a surprise attack by the Japanese military on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor. It caused a lot of damage and led to the United States joining World War II.

Before the attack, tensions were rising between the United States and Japan. Japan was expanding its territory in Asia, and the United States had put restrictions on Japan to try to stop this expansion. In response, Japan decided to launch a surprise attack on the United States to weaken its military presence in the Pacific Ocean.

Early in the morning on December 7th, Japanese warplanes launched a sudden assault on Pearl Harbor. They bombed the ships in the harbor and attacked the military bases on the island of Oahu. The attack was swift and devastating. Many American sailors and soldiers were killed, and numerous ships were destroyed or damaged.

The aftermath of the attack was significant. The United States declared war on Japan the next day, officially entering World War II. The bombing of Pearl Harbor united the American people in their resolve to fight against Japan and its allies. It also marked a turning point in the war, as the United States became heavily involved in the conflict.

Today, Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark, serving as a memorial to the lives lost during the attack. It reminds us of the importance of peace and understanding between nations.

 

Comprehension Questions:

1. What tragic event happened on December 7, 1941?

A) The bombing of LondonB) The bombing of Pearl Harbor

C) The bombing of TokyoD) The bombing of Berlin

2 Why did Japan decide to attack the United States?

A) To expand its territory in Europe

B) To weaken the British military

C) In response to restrictions placed by the United States

D) To form an alliance with the United States

3. What was the primary target of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?

A) Military bases on the island of Oahu

B) Civilian homes in Honolulu

C) Farms surrounding Pearl Harbor

D) The Hawaiian royal palace

4. How did the United States respond to the attack on Pearl Harbor?

A) By declaring war on JapanB) By surrendering to Japan

C) By negotiating a peace treaty with JapanD) By withdrawing from the war

5. What did the bombing of Pearl Harbor lead to?

A) The end of World War II

B) The United States joining World War II

C) Japan surrendering to the United States

D) The formation of the United Nations

6. What is Pearl Harbor today?

A) A shopping mallB) A National Historic Landmark

C) A theme parkD) A military base