December 7th (short version)
Synopsis
Eighty-six vessels, including battleships and cruisers, lay anchored in Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, before the surprise attack.
Synopsis
On December 7, 1941, the city of Honolulu lay quiet as military personnel prepared for a typical Sunday. At Hickam Field, ground crews worked on aircraft while sailors at Pearl Harbor relaxed before the impending attack. The film presents the events leading up to the bombing, including the presence of 86 naval vessels and the lack of adequate defense measures. It also depicts the aftermath, showing how life in Hawaii transformed under wartime conditions, with blackouts and the removal of Japanese cultural symbols. Produced by the US National Archives, the documentary features dramatizations and archival footage.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the calm before the Pearl Harbor attack unfold.
- Find out how Hawaii changed after December 7, 1941.
- Meet the soldiers at Hickam Field during the attack.
Did You Know
- A Number One Alert had been in effect for 11 days before the attack.
- Pearl Harbor housed 86 vessels on the morning of December 7, 1941.
- The film mentions that the Aloha Tower is now clad in war paint.
- Black-outs in the city started promptly at dusk after the attack.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the status of the Aircraft Warning System on December 7, 1941?
The Aircraft Warning System had officially closed at 7 o'clock on the morning of December 7, 1941.
How many vessels were anchored in Pearl Harbor on the morning of the attack?
There were 86 vessels anchored in Pearl Harbor, including capital ships, heavy and light cruisers, destroyers, tenders, mine sweepers, and repair ships.
What changes occurred in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor?
After the attack, the Aloha Tower, once a symbol of welcome, was clad in war paint, and barbed wire changed the face of Waikiki Beach, which was no longer a playground for tourists.
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