Here's a brief overview:
* The Attack: Japanese aircraft carriers launched a coordinated attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, at 7:55 AM local time. The attack lasted for about two hours.
* Casualties: The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, including 1,178 sailors, 188 Marines, 109 soldiers, and 68 civilians.
* Impact: The attack shocked the American public and propelled the U.S. into World War II. It unified the country and led to a massive mobilization effort.
The date is often referred to as "a date which will live in infamy", as President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared in his famous address to Congress on December 8, 1941.