Ep 6. Pearl Harbor: Surprise and Remembrance

On December 7th, 1941, a surprise military attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii brought the country into World War II. This episode of American Experience explores the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath, as well as its lasting impact on American society and culture. Through archival footage and interviews with survivors and historians, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the attack and its crucial role in shaping both the war effort and American identity.

The episode opens with a look at the political climate leading up to Pearl Harbor, including tensions between the US and Japan over Japan's expansionist policies in Asia. Viewers will learn about US efforts to negotiate a peace treaty with Japan, as well as the role of intelligence in assessing the threat of an attack on American soil.

The episode then dives into the events of December 7th itself, with a detailed account of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Using footage of the attack and interviews with survivors, viewers will get a sense of the chaos and destruction wrought by the surprise attack. The episode also explores the failures of US intelligence and military preparedness leading up to Pearl Harbor, including a discussion of Admiral Husband E. Kimmel's controversial leadership in the Pacific theater.

The aftermath of Pearl Harbor is also explored in depth, with a focus on the influence of the attack on American society and culture. Viewers will learn about the outrage and sense of unity that swept the nation in the wake of Pearl Harbor, as well as the impact of the attack on the lives of Japanese-Americans living in the US. The episode also explores the lasting legacy of Pearl Harbor, from its role in fueling US involvement in World War II to its status as a powerful symbol of American resilience and patriotism.

Overall, Pearl Harbor: Surprise and Remembrance offers a thorough and engaging look at one of the defining events of American history. With its combination of archival footage, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis, this episode of American Experience is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II or American history more generally.