Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Pivotal Event that Led the US into World War II

On December 7, 1941, Japan staged a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, decimating the US Pacific Fleet. When Germany and Italy declared war on the United States in response, the country was thrust into World War II.

Ask a typical American how the United States got into World War II, and he will almost certainly tell you that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war by Germany and Italy.

A chronology of key events: 1853 - US fleet forces Japan to open up to foreign influence after over 200 years of self-imposed isolation.

Asian immigrants have come to American shores since the mid-1800s, playing a significant role in U.S. history, but one that's rife with challenges and discrimination.

The date is December 7, 1941. Every American knows it, or should. A surprise attack by aviators of the Imperial Japanese Navy hits the heart of the US Navy in Hawaii.

War, political strife, human achievements, financial and natural disasters make some of the most important events over the past century.