On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This attack led to significant destruction, including the sinking of battleships and loss of lives. The event prompted the United States to formally enter World War II, declaring war on Japan the following day. Pearl Harbor is remembered as a pivotal moment in history, marking a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to active involvement in global conflicts.