Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, US joins WWII
Definition
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military strike against the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack led to America's entry into World War II.
Analogy
Imagine you're peacefully playing a video game when suddenly another player launches an unexpected attack on your character. You didn't want to fight but now you have no choice - that's how America felt after Pearl Harbor.
Related terms
Isoroku Yamamoto: He was a Japanese Marshal Admiral and commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II until his death in April 1943.
Franklin D Roosevelt: He was serving as President of United States during Pearl Harbor attack and declared war on Japan following day.
Pacific War: This was the part of World War II that took place in the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and in East Asia, which included the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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