In the morning of 7th December in 1941 at approximately 7:45 am, a surprise bombing attack on the United State's Pacific Fleet military base in Hawaii, by the Japanese Navy was conducted. Over 2,500 people were killed and 1,000 had casualties. 18 of America's ships were either destroyed or damaged and almost 300 airplanes were hit. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a relevant event in history because it caused the US to declare war on Japan and quickly prompted countries to pick sides during World War Two. For awhile there had been tension between Japan and America,the bombing of Pearl Harbor, officially was the boiling point for America who was initially neutral,but chose to join the Allies and declare war on Japan. .
Ten years before the bombing of Pearl Harbor,the Japanese, longed for a empire and in September 1931, began scouting and scheming to take over countries in Asia. The Japanese, first began their quest for countries in the region then known as Manchuria, which now, is more commonly known as Northeast China. The Japanese took over Manchuria, and renamed the region, "Manchukuo", where they remained until World War Two ended. After the invasion of Manchuria, Japan attempted to invade China. They were ultimately met with resistance from Chinese people and political/military leader Chiang Kai-shek. .
When their attempt at overthrowing China failed, Japan began a policy of economic strangulation. They mainly targeted America and Australia,but had intentions of the policy affecting every country who were on the Allies side. Japan believed the longer they kept the economic strangulation policy around, the more the Allies would be punished. The allies began feeling anxious by Japan's motives,and ultimately America,The Netherlands and The UK froze Japan's assets (scrap metal, oil etc.) in their respective countries and only gave Japan little of supplies they needed,which took away 90% of Japan's raw materials which were needed by Japan to help them in the war.