For many Americans, December 7th is a milestone date in the course of American history because it marks the formal entry of the United States into World War II. With more than 2,300 sailors killed in action, eight battleships sunk or damaged, and over 100 planes destroyed, the attack left the United States Navy severely crippled. This was not an isolated act of aggression. It was flashpoint at the end of a decade of worsening relations between the United States and Japan. This compelling volume offers an analysis of the attack on Pearl Harbor to broaden student awareness of the event through accessible language, maps, and vivid pictures. Chapters explore relevant topics including Japanese aggression in China, the preparations the United States made for war, the devastation of battleship row and the naval base, reactions to the attack and moves toward recovery, and the political and strategic aftermath.