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How did the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, change the course of World War II both for the United States and globally?(2 points) Responses It resulted in the United States avoiding conflict in Europe, as it chose to focus entirely on the Pacific theater. It resulted in the United States avoiding conflict in Europe, as it chose to focus entirely on the Pacific theater. It caused the United States to formally declare war on Japan, which led to Germany and Italy declaring war on the U.S., pulling America into the global conflict. It caused the United States to formally declare war on Japan, which led to Germany and Italy declaring war on the U.S., pulling America into the global conflict. It marked the end of Japan's expansion in the Pacific, as they focused solely on defending their homeland from U.S. attacks. It marked the end of Japan's expansion in the Pacific, as they focused solely on defending their homeland from U.S. attacks. It led to the United States signing a non-aggression pact with Japan, ensuring the U.S. would stay out of the war.

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The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, significantly changed the course of World War II in several ways:

  1. U.S. Entry into the War: The immediate consequence of the attack was that it prompted the United States to formally declare war on Japan on December 8, 1941. This declaration led to Germany and Italy declaring war on the United States shortly thereafter, on December 11, 1941. As a result, the U.S. became fully involved in the global conflict, fighting on both the Pacific and European fronts.

  2. Shift in Global Power Dynamics: The attack galvanized American public opinion in favor of involvement in the war, transitioning the United States from a position of isolationism to active participation. This involvement accelerated the mobilization of U.S. military and industrial resources, ultimately turning the tide against Axis powers in both theaters. Moreover, the U.S. entering the war shifted the balance of power, bolstering the Allied forces and contributing to significant victories, such as at Midway and in North Africa.

Thus, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal event that transformed the United States into a leading global military power and significantly impacted the dynamics of World War II.