On December 7, 1941, the United States experienced a significant event when the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the destruction of numerous battleships, aircraft, and loss of more than 2,400 American lives. This event galvanized American public opinion towards entering World War II, leading President Franklin D. Roosevelt to declare war on Japan the following day. The attack marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, shifting from isolationism to active involvement in global conflict. It united the nation in the war effort, impacting military engagement for the duration of the war.