The term "Japanese Attack" often refers to the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This attack aimed to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent interference with Japanese military operations in Southeast Asia. It resulted in significant damage to the U.S. fleet and led to the United States' formal entry into World War II. The attack involved over 350 aircraft and was executed in two waves, targeting battleships, aircraft, and other military installations. The event marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to a shift in global power dynamics and the eventual defeat of Japan in 1945.