This article examines why Japan chose to bomb Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7th 1941, and the motivations behind the decision. It looks at Japan's expansion of their empire prior to the war, and how they planned to attack Pearl Harbor, as well as their strategy in the Pacific War. The bombing of Pearl Harbor had devastating consequences for both sides involved in this conflict, with America entering World War II much earlier than expected. While initially successful, this attack ultimately backfired due to many losses incurred during subsequent battles fought against American forces who eventually managed to turn things around after recovering from initial shock caused by bombing.