Think You Know WWII? Try the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Quiz
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On what date was Pearl Harbor attacked?
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December 7, 1941
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November 11, 1941
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January 15, 1942
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December 25, 1941
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You’ve probably heard the phrase—“a date which will live in infamy.” But how much do you actually remember about what happened at Pearl Harbor and why it still matters? Every December 7, Americans pause to reflect on the surprise attack that drew the U.S. into World War II.
Beyond the headlines and history books, there’s a powerful human story—of bravery, loss, and turning points that shaped the modern world. This Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Quiz helps you dive deeper. Through carefully chosen questions, you’ll explore key facts, figures, and lesser-known moments from that historic day.
Disclaimer: This Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Quiz is intended for educational purposes and aims to honor the memory of those affected by the events of Pearl Harbor.
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Which country carried out the attack on Pearl Harbor?
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Japan
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Germany
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Italy
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Russia
Correct Answer
A. JapanExplanation
Japan carried out the attack on Pearl Harbor as part of a larger plan to assert dominance in the Pacific and cripple the U.S. naval power. The goal was to prevent American interference in Japan’s expansion into Southeast Asia. Diplomatic tensions were high, but the attack came without a formal declaration of war, making it even more shocking. Japan’s strategic gamble backfired by uniting American public opinion and leading directly to the U.S. joining World War II, ultimately turning the tide of the global conflict in favor of the Allied powers.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What U.S. state is Pearl Harbor located in?
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Hawaii
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California
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Florida
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Alaska
Correct Answer
A. HawaiiExplanation
Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu in the U.S. state of Hawaii. At the time of the attack in 1941, Hawaii was not yet a state but a U.S. territory. Its location made it a crucial Pacific naval base, serving as the headquarters for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The strategic importance of Hawaii—and Pearl Harbor specifically—meant it was a primary target for Japanese military planners. Its geography also explains why the attack could be launched with little warning, demonstrating the vulnerability of even overseas American assets during wartime.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which American battleship famously exploded and sank during the attack?
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USS Arizona
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USS Missouri
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USS Iowa
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USS Enterprise
Correct Answer
A. USS ArizonaExplanation
The USS Arizona suffered the most devastating damage during the Pearl Harbor attack. A Japanese bomb detonated in a forward ammunition magazine, causing a massive explosion that instantly sank the battleship and killed 1,177 crew members. Today, the remains of the ship lie at the bottom of the harbor and are memorialized by the USS Arizona Memorial, where oil still slowly seeps from the wreckage. The destruction of the Arizona symbolizes the tragedy of the attack and is a central part of annual remembrance ceremonies honoring the fallen.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What day of the week did the attack occur on?
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Sunday
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Monday
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Friday
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Wednesday
Correct Answer
A. SundayExplanation
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on a Sunday, which added to the shock and unpreparedness of the U.S. forces stationed there. Many service members were off duty, and some were still asleep when the air raid began. Choosing a Sunday maximized the element of surprise, catching the base at its most vulnerable. The peaceful weekend morning was transformed into a chaotic battlefield within minutes, reinforcing the brutal reality of modern warfare and the need for constant vigilance. This detail is often emphasized in historical retellings to highlight the deliberate nature of the ambush.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What major global conflict did the Pearl Harbor attack lead the U.S. into?
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World War II
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Korean War
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Cold War
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World War I
Correct Answer
A. World War IIExplanation
The attack on Pearl Harbor led directly to the United States entering World War II. Until then, the U.S. had maintained a policy of neutrality, despite growing tensions and support for Allied nations. The bombing galvanized public opinion, and on December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt asked Congress for a declaration of war against Japan. The vote passed almost unanimously. This marked a turning point not just for the U.S., but for the entire global conflict, as America’s industrial and military power significantly altered the trajectory of the war in the Allies’ favor.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How long did the Pearl Harbor attack last?
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Around 2 hours
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One full day
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About 6 hours
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30 minutes
Correct Answer
A. Around 2 hoursExplanation
The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted approximately two hours, from around 7:55 AM to just before 10:00 AM. Despite its short duration, the destruction was immense—over 2,400 Americans were killed, eight battleships were damaged or sunk, and nearly 200 aircraft were destroyed. The precision and speed of the attack were due to meticulous planning and a coordinated aerial assault involving torpedoes and bombs. The brief yet catastrophic nature of the attack demonstrated the power of air supremacy and changed naval strategy, ushering in the era of aircraft carriers as dominant war assets.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What phrase did President Roosevelt use to describe the attack?
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A date which will live in infamy
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The day the world changed
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A moment of great sorrow
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The fall of peace
Correct Answer
A. A date which will live in infamyExplanation
President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described the attack as “a date which will live in infamy” during his address to Congress on December 8, 1941. This phrase has since become one of the most iconic lines in American history. His speech rallied the nation and justified the declaration of war against Japan. The word “infamy” encapsulated the betrayal and shock Americans felt, emphasizing that the attack was not just a military act but a violation of peace and trust. The phrase continues to symbolize national resilience and remembrance of that fateful day.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which U.S. base was the main target of the Pearl Harbor attack?
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Naval Base Pearl Harbor
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Fort Bragg
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Camp Pendleton
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Andrews Air Force Base
Correct Answer
A. Naval Base Pearl HarborExplanation
The primary target of the Japanese attack was Naval Base Pearl Harbor, the home of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Destroying ships and infrastructure here was central to Japan’s goal of weakening American resistance in the Pacific. Battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and support facilities were all hit. Although aircraft carriers were notably absent at the time of the attack, the damage was still significant. Pearl Harbor’s selection as a target showed Japan’s strategic focus on neutralizing American power early, though it failed to fully destroy the fleet or deter U.S. retaliation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What immediate consequence followed the attack?
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U.S. declared war on Japan
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Peace treaty with Japan
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Japan joined the Allies
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U.S. withdrew from Europe
Correct Answer
A. U.S. declared war on JapanExplanation
Immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States declared war on Japan, marking its formal entry into World War II. Congress passed the war resolution on December 8, 1941, just one day after the attack, with near-unanimous support. This decision marked a seismic shift in U.S. foreign policy, ending years of isolationism and launching the country into a global conflict. The declaration also led to declarations of war from Germany and Italy against the U.S., officially expanding the scope of the war. This moment signaled the beginning of America's direct involvement in shaping world history.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 3, 2025 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jun 03, 2025Quiz Edited by
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May 27, 2025Quiz Created by
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