Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona, at height of fire, following Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared war on Japan. Learn more about this fateful day in U.S. history by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access personal narratives and more primary sources related to Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor image set

Pearl Harbor area maps

Through the Enemy’s Eyes Pearl Harbor story map

Pearl Harbor 1941 historical newspaper coverage

Pearl Harbor 1900-1912 historical newspaper coverage

Select Pearl Harbor veteran oral histories

More digitized Pearl Harbor veteran oral histories

After the Day of Infamy: “Man-on-the-Street” Interviews Following the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Teaching ideas for the ”Man-on-the-Street” Interviews and the Dear Mr. President interviews

Pearl Harbor Oral Histories (streaming webcast)

After Pearl Harbor: Music, War and the Library of Congress (streaming webcast)

Contemporary Pearl Harbor legislation

Library Pearl Harbor blog posts