Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Change of Command at Nagato

   In Tokyo, aboard the battleship Nagato, a significant change-of-command ceremony takes place. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto assumes his new role as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, taking over from Fleet Admiral Zengo Yoshida amidst the backdrop of World War II.

   When

   1941

   Where

   Tokyo, Japan

2. 2

   Discussion of Trade Embargo

   During a tense conversation between Yamamoto and Yoshida, they discuss the critical implications of America's trade embargo. This embargo restricts Japan's access to vital resources like oil and exacerbates the struggles arising from Japan's ongoing conflict in China.

   Where

   Nagato, Japan

3. 3

   Consensus for Conflict

   A meeting convened by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye leads to a consensus among top officials, including Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka and War Minister General Hideki Tojo. They decide that Japan must prepare for an attack on the United States, despite the catastrophic potential of such a conflict.

   Where

   Japan

4. 4

   Signing the Tripartite Pact

   In a bid to strengthen military alliances, Japan signs the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This alliance alarms Yamamoto, who begins to consider a surprise attack as the best strategy to survive against an increasingly powerful American force.

   Where

   Japan

5. 5

   Planning the Pearl Harbor Strike

   Japanese military commands convene to discuss the feasibility of attacking Pearl Harbor. They innovate solutions, such as modifying aerial torpedoes, to bypass American defenses as they prepare for a decisive strike on the U.S. Navy.

   Where

   Japan

6. 6

   American Intelligence Breakthrough

   The U.S. intelligence community experiences a breakthrough by deciphering the Japanese Purple Code, allowing them to intercept and understand critical Japanese communications. Unfortunately, despite this success, their response remains slow and unprepared for the inevitable attack.

   Where

   United States

7. 7

   Attempts to Fortify Pearl Harbor

   As the date of the attack nears, Admiral Husband Kimmel and General Walter C. Short make desperate attempts to bolster Pearl Harbor's defenses. However, communication lapses and intelligence failures hinder their effectiveness, leaving the base vulnerable.

   Where

   Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

8. 8

   Coded Messages and Urgent Warnings

   On December 7, 1941, while decision-makers in Washington are engaged in leisurely pursuits, American intelligence scrambles to decode incoming messages. Unfortunately, urgent warnings of the impending attack are overlooked, leading to a lack of preparedness.

   When

   December 7, 1941

   Where

   Washington, D.C.

9. 9

   USS Ward's Discovery

   Just before the attack commences, the American destroyer USS Ward reveals a Japanese midget submarine attempting to breach Pearl Harbor. The submarine is sunk, but instead of triggering an alert, the incident meets bureaucratic indifference, leading to complacency.

   Where

   Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

10. 10

    The Attack Begins

    As the Japanese fleet approaches, a series of miscommunications leads to a critical delay in American defenses. The attack starts with utter devastation as Japanese forces catch U.S. defenders completely off guard, with fighter planes destroyed on the ground and personnel unprepared.

    Where

    Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

11. 11

    The Code 'Tora, Tora, Tora'

    As the chaos unfolds during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the code 'Tora, Tora, Tora' is communicated among Japanese forces. This signals their complete surprise, leading to a rapid and overwhelming assault on American military installations.

    Where

    Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

12. 12

    Acts of Heroism

    Amidst the turmoil, sailor Doris Miller performs an act of bravery by operating a machine gun despite the limitations placed on him due to racism. Additionally, pilots Ken Taylor and George Welch manage to take off and engage enemy planes, showcasing valiant efforts against overwhelming opposition.

    Where

    Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

13. 13

    Destruction of USS Arizona

    A bomb lands on the USS Arizona, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that complicates rescue and recovery operations. The destruction highlights the severity of the attack and the heavy toll it takes on the U.S. fleet.

    Where

    Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

14. 14

    No Third Wave of Attack

    In a critical decision, Japanese commanders choose not to launch a third wave of attacks, despite their earlier successes. This decision prevents them from fully crippling the American military, which could ensure Japan's long-term advantage.

    Where

    Japan

15. 15

    Reactions in Washington

    Following the attack, U.S. leaders, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, grapple with the shocking realization of the attack's enormity. As the Japanese ambassador arrives with an ultimatum, tensions rise, cementing the path towards open conflict.

    Where

    Washington, D.C.