You need the Flash Player version 8.0.0.0 or higher and a JavaScript enabled browser to view this site

Pearl Harbor: The First Wave of Attack Causes Confusion

Related Article: Learn more about the war with Japan during World War II.

The early morning attack on Dec. 7, 1941, creates confusion at first. Radar picks up incoming aircraft, but they are assumed at first to be American planes on a training mission.
Related Videos

Related Ad Categories

Upload Your Video/Register

browse videos in
world wars

HowStuffWorks.com Videos: World Wars MRSS Feed

Sort by:

Free Speech During War Time

Free Speech During War Time (4:47)

Watch this video about free speech on HowStuffWorks. University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey R. Stone discusses his book, which recounts our nation's long history of limiting free speech and civil liberties in times of crisis. Copyright 2004... More »

World War II: Airplanes 2

World War II: Airplanes 2 (0:47)

From the Archives of Discovery: Watch this historical footage of airplanes during World War II. Learn more about airplanes in this video.

World War II: Airplanes 1

World War II: Airplanes 1 (0:45)

From the Archives of Discovery: Watch this historical footage of airplanes during World War II. Learn more about airplanes in this video.

World War II

World War II (0:46)

From the Archives of Discovery: More than 50 million perished during World War II, and the effects of the war are sill visible today. Learn more about World War II in this video.

Adolph Hitler

Adolph Hitler (0:44)

From the Archives of Discovery: One of history's most notorious leaders, Adolph Hitler, built a government based on fascism. Learn more about fascism in this video.

recently added

Massive Engines: Steam Turbine Power

Massive Engines: Steam Turbine Power (2:37)

In this clip from Discovery Channel's "Massive Engines," host Chris Barrie learns about steam turbine power on a tour of the HMS Belfast. Powered by a turbine steam engine, the HMS Belfast helped defeat the German Schanhorst during WWII.

Massive Engines: HMS Belfast Steam Engine

Massive Engines: HMS Belfast Steam Engine (2:44)

In this clip from Discovery Channel's "Massive Engines," host Chris Barrie takes us inside the HMS Belfast for a glimpse of its massive steam turbine engines.

Religious Leader

Religious Leader (0:30)

From the archives of Discovery: Take a look at this historical footage of religious leaders during World War II. Learn more about World War II in this video.

Sunk Battleship

Sunk Battleship (0:35)

In this video from the archives of Discovery, watch historical footage of a battleship sinking and learn more about the most famous warship ever sunk.

Why I Served: Michael Gerold

Why I Served: Michael Gerold (1:01)

Michael Gerold served in the United States Army with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan. He is the founder of American Legion Post 911. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served"... More »

Why I Served: Marty Rhyne

Why I Served: Marty Rhyne (1:01)

Marty Rhyne was raised in California in a military family. She served in Vietnam from 1972-1978. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served" series.

Why I Served: Lance Vanderhoof

Why I Served: Lance Vanderhoof (1:01)

Lance Vanderhoof is from Utah. He served as a Medic in the United States Army from 1983-1986. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served" series.

Why I Served: Jill Chambers

Why I Served: Jill Chambers (1:01)

Col. Jill Chambers is the Special Assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army, 1982-Present. Her father was a career Air Force officer. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served" series.

Why I Served: JD Larson

Why I Served: JD Larson (1:01)

J.D. Larson is a retired Chief Warrant Officer, United States Coast Guard. He served from 1969-1991. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served" series.

Why I Served: Alan Richards

Why I Served: Alan Richards (1:01)

Alan Richards was a Sergeant E-5 in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1970. Learn more about war veterans in this clip from the Military Channel's "Why I Served" series.