During the 20's Japan suffered greatly due to industrial overcapacity and increased competeion in Asia. Japan was left struggling to get back on top and was desperate for ecomonic growth. Also, there was a shortage of foreign food supplies to keep up with their growing population. And, with the Depression in 1931, this desolate country took a major blow, especially in terms of their trading economy. Japan was left with little and was forced to acquire new resources from China. Although times were bad in Japan, they were motivated by their quest for supremecy.

In 1931 The Japanese Imperial Army invaded Manchuria and set up a puppet state, Manchuko. The League of Nations comdemned this attack and Japan replied by withdrawing from the League.

Although the Americans remained neutral for the first part of the war, the Japanese had forced them in. On December 8, the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. declared war. They proved to be a crucial component in the victory of the Allies and part of their success was thanks to Japan. Because of the large amount of battleships lost, the Navy had to depend on their undamaged carriers instead. This was actually a better tactic and helped tremendously in the war. The Americans also used their part in the war as a way to get back at Japan.

On November 26, the Japanese fleet left home on their journey to Hawaii. Their 4000 mile trip would take 12 days and would prove quite difficult. The winter weather was stormy and the high winds caused several sailors to be swept overboard. But, their voyage was successful and the men were ready for battle as their Admiral said to them: "The rise or fall of the Empire depends on this battle. Everone will do his duty to the utmost." (Larry Kimmett, pg.28)

In all, Yamamoto believed there were two main components in order for victory: secrecy and surprise. But, this attack was not kept a secret. On January 27, 1941, Joseph Grew, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan found out about the "secret" plan to attack Pearl Harbour. No one believed his information and in fact thought that the Japanese were planning an attack on Manila instead.

The Admiral realized though, that he had an advantage over the American Navy. Although they were smaller in size, the U.S. ships were spread throughout the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It turned out the Japanese had a numerical advantage. And, in the spring of 1941, the German U-boat crisis forced the U.S. to send a quarter of their force to the Pacific Ocean. This was Japan's opportunity.

It is still important though to remember Pearl Harbor. Many lost thier lives in this battle and although the Americans lost, they fought bravely for their country. December 7 1941 lives in peoples minds as "The Day of Infamy," but really it is the day changed the course of history and the world as we knew it.

In the first wave, Fuchida would send out forty-three Zero's to shoot down any U.S. fighters that escaped the dive bombers. He also planned to use the Zero to shoot any planes on the ground with 7.7mm machine guns. Twenty-fiveVals would target Wheler Field, seventeen more to Ford Island and nine more at Hickam Field.

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Approximate Word count = 2193
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)