September 18th, 1931 Japan invaded Manchuria, China. After a short period, Japan had taken many crucial locations of Manchuria.
In response United States wanted to prevent Japanese expansion into China. Therefore; they prohibited important resources into Japan such as oil and steel. This act forced Japan to either settle on terms with America, or go to war with them.
Japan decided to go to war with America by devising a plan to attack Pearl Harbor and cripple the Pacific fleet in order to demoralize the Americans.
The attack on Pearl Harbor did indeed cripple the Pacific fleet, however, it did not demoralize the American people. Instead, Americans were determined to go to war and thus contributed to the total war effort against the Axis Powers.
Effects
The following day after Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt commenced war on the Japanese. "I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire
The United States entered the war against the Axis powers which meant a turning point of the war as one of the world's biggest superpowers had entered the side of the Allies. The attack unified the American people and gave them a good reason to join the war. This made many young males want to join the army since they felt a sense of patriotism and duty to fight for their country.
With a lack of men left in the states to build vehicles, weaponry, and supplies for the troops going overseas, women joined the work force in the factories.
Ultimately, the attack on Pearl Harbor which led to America's involvement of World War II, resulted in the destruction of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. In the end, the Allies were victorious in defeating the Axis Powers.