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From Ohio History Central
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<p>Because countries were involved in a major struggle on the continent of Europe, Japan was able to expand its control in Asia and in the rest of the Pacific. The Japanese were concerned about the United States' strength and the potential for American involvement in the war. As a result, Japanese military leaders, led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, planned a preemptive attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, the home port for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. They hoped to significantly weaken the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prolong American entry into the war.</p>
<p>The Japanese attack took place on December 7, 1941. The Americans were totally surprised by the attack, suffering high casualties. By the time that the attack was over, 2,390 Americans had lost their lives. Three American battleships, the <em>USS Arizona</em>, the <em>USS Utah</em>, and the <em>USS Oklahoma</em>, were totally destroyed. The other American ships also saw heavy damage but were later repaired and returned to duty. The Japanese also destroyed many American aircraft located at nearby airfields.</p>
<p>Three Ohioans won earned Congressional Medals of Honor for their heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor, including Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd of Cleveland, Machinist's Mate First Class Robert R. Scott of Massillon, and Seaman First Class James Richard Ward of Springfield. All three men died during the attack, sacrificing their lives for others. Numerous other Ohioans also died at Pearl Harbor.</p>
<p>The following day, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked Congress for and received a declaration of war against Japan. Roosevelt referred to the attack on Pearl Harbor as "a date that will live in infamy." The words "Remember Pearl Harbor" became a rallying cry for Americans during the war. On December 11, 1941, Germany, believing that the Americans could not fight a war in Europe while fighting a war in Asia, declared war upon the United States.</p>
<p>While Japan had caused the United States to become involved in World War II, President Roosevelt focused the United States' military efforts on Germany and Italy first. Germany had conquered most of Europe by late 1941, leaving only the Soviet Union and Great Britain to stand against the Germans. Roosevelt hoped to save Great Britain, a long-time ally of the United States, from German defeat. In the Pacific Roosevelt wanted to stop Japanese expansion, but did not seek an immediate defeat of this enemy. He believed that the mainland United States was in no immediate danger of Japanese invasion, and thus the United States should help its European allies.</p>