The Aftermath
Even though the duration of the attack was about two hours, the destruction was huge. Twenty American Naval vessels were destroyed, which included eight battleships, and nearly 200 airplanes were destroyed as well. Over 2,000 American sailors and soldiers were killed and 1,000 were wounded and hurt. The next day December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan: "Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, out territory, and out interests are in grave danger. With confidence in out armed forces-with the unbound determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God." Congress then passed a war resolution within a couple of hours after Roosevelt had spoken.
On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. The United States had been drawn into a second world war. Like in World War I, the United States' interaction in the war efforts made the difference of winning and losing the war for the Allies.
On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. The United States had been drawn into a second world war. Like in World War I, the United States' interaction in the war efforts made the difference of winning and losing the war for the Allies.