Dbq Pearl Harbor Essay

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The pearl harbour was one of the greatest tragedies to ever happen to the Americans, it was enough to send the united states which at the time was neutral, into world war 2 (wwII). On the pacific island of Oahu on an early Sunday morning 7.55am on 7th of December the Japanese aircraft had began a horrifying attack against the US pacific fleet. the riot caused by the attacks killed under 100 Japanese but over 2.400 Americans along with another 1.178 being injured. (source B) Japan was suffering greatly due to increased competition in Asia. Japan was struggling to get back "on top". Japan was desperate for economic growth. There was a great shortage of food supplies to keep up with the fast growing population. Due to the depression in 1931 …show more content…

The most heavily used planes was the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. The planes were the main ways of dominating the attack. Original plans were to sink battleships rather than carriers, Yamamoto believed that by shattering their battle fleet the American morale would be crushed. The attack was divided into two waves, the first wave (led by Commander Mitsuo Fuchida- source L) of the attack included 40 torpedo planes which broke down into 16. The second wave was intended to compromise 171 aircraft. Relatively small bombs carried by dive bombers were not sufficient. The first wave had a stronger impact of damage caused to the heavy ships. The second wave aircraft was finalize the destruction of American air power on …show more content…

According to source L, Fuchsia's recollections in 1951, an hour an forty minutes after leaving the carriers , tiny openings in the clouds cover afforded occasional glimpse of the northern shore of Oahu. After veering right towards the west coast of Oahu, the sky over pearl harbour became clear. All eight battleships were seen but there were no carriers present. Fuchsia ordered his radioman at 0749 to command an attack . Lieutenant Commander Murata's bombers flew downward to launch their torpedo's. Lieutenant Commander Itayay's fighters swept enemy fighters from the air. the first bomb falling on Wheeler Field followed by diving bombing attacks upon Hickam Field opened the attack. The approach of commander Murata was cut short and his group anchored and released torpedo's east of Ford Island. By 0800 all the enemy planes in the air had disappeared and fighters began strafing the airfields. The second bombing run was about to begin before there was a colossal explosion in the battleship row. The ships red powder magazine filled the sky with a massive column of dark red smoke which rose to 1000 metres. After the bombers had completed their runs they headed north to return to their carriers, Pearl Harbour had been completely wrecked by the fierce strafing and

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