Calendar days in my memory are a steady stream of happenings. Unlike many, I tend to remember dates further in the past than current times; like today, for example (which really is not the best one because many will be thinking of Pearl Harbor). I think of years and events in chronological order, but not an order that is precise enough to remember dates. I can vaguely recall, however, that I know someone (I still can't remember who) that has a birthday today. What's sad is, I'm pretty sure it's a birthday I should be remembering- like family. And yes, sometimes I forget what days my own children were born on. Eek. How is that possible?
Dates on a calendar aren't really my thing. I get quite a bit of ribbing about this, especially if my love of history is known. How can someone who loves history and has a degree in it not know specific dates? I have no idea. I know the dates of holidays, some birthdays (obviously not all of them), and some historical dates like December 7, 1941. When I think of the day Pearl Harbor was struck, I immediately begin thinking about the historical events that preceded and the things that immediately took place afterward.
My learned memories think of the world's history in a broad sense. What made Pearl Harbor such a pivotal moment in history? It was the catalyst that drew the United States into World War II. The United States had an adamant policy of isolation, choosing to not be involved in events that took place beyond its borders. Interestingly enough, they had aided the Allies with armament and funds long before Pearl Harbor. For the first days following the US declaration of war against Japan, many still hoped to avoid involvement in Europe. Within days of Pearl Harbor (see I don't know the date), Germany and Italy, of the Tripartite Pact (or Axis Pact) of 1940 with Japan, declared war on the US, forcing American involvement.
The 'official' beginning date for WWII is September 1, 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland. Arguably that date should have been much earlier, say in 1934 when Hitler began outright violations of the Treaty of Versailles or more specifically with the Anschluss of Austria in March of 1938 and the occupation of the Sudetenland in late 1938, followed by the complete invasion of Czechoslavakia in March of 1939. These dates, while noted, did not hold sway with the United States during those years. It was not until after December 7, 1941 that the US advocated action. The United States entered a multi-front war and the rest, yes I will say it, is history. And that is my thought process on this day of infamy.
The following is a link to the attack scene from the movie Pearl Harbor. In my opinion, it's the longest 9 minutes, 46 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9RSzcKp6Ww&feature=related
