Describes the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941 that drew the United States into World War II, and covers why United States leaders hesitated to join the war, why Japan decided to attack the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, and how the attack affected attitudes in the United States toward Japanese Americans.

Setting the scene : rising tensions -- An international event -- America's dilemma -- Tora! tora! tora! -- A nation goes to war -- Map of the events what happened where? -- The story continues : a lasting legacy -- Influential individuals -- Timeline -- Living history.