For my NHD project, I decided to study the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Over the summer break, I

visited Europe and learned much about the history of World War II. In Luxembourg, I was given
the opportunity to give my respects to General George S. Patton by visiting his grave. Paying
homage and learning from these memorials sparked my interest in World War II. When I
returned from my trip, I started school and was introduced to National History Day. I
immediately knew that I wanted to make my project about Americans involvement in World
War II. While I was researching, and trying to focus my interest, I came across the attack on
Pearl Harbor. I learned that there was a larger background to the whole attack.
My research began by making a document of good credible sources which would help me with
my website. I found many documents, articles, and images in my preliminary research. I
organized the resources and websites in a time period. If there was an event before Pearl Harbor
that I wanted to explore more in depth, I would consult this document to help me. I used my
online resources such as Britannica Encyclopedia to obtain a basic knowledge of the attack.
Later on, I looked for primary sources. With these primary sources, I was able to learn more
about Pearl Harbor in depth. These primary documents and quotes from veterans showed me
viewpoints about Pearl Harbor which werent shown in the textbook. With these primary sources,
I was able to tie and connect each of the events before Pearl Harbor. Each day, I spent my time
researching and updating my website. Because I had organized my information sequentially as a
time period, I was able to work on one event at a time easily.
I decided to utilize the format of a website. At first I thought a paper would be most appropriate
for presenting my information. However, as I learned many interesting facts about Pearl Harbor
that I hadnt learned before, I felt that my information would reach a limited amount of people as

a paper. I knew that if I were to make a website, I could share this information with many more
individuals. Making a website was tougher, but more satisfying, than typing a paper.
My topic relates to the NHD theme of encounter. As the Japanese encountered the Americans
before and after Pearl Harbor, they weakened their forces. America had no choice but to declare
war on their former ally. Throughout the four years that America was in World War II, the
Japanese encountered Americas true strength all because of their actions that they committed
during Pearl Harbor. The Japanese ambassador did not meet with the Secretary of State before
they attacked Pearl Harbor. Because he did not encounter the Americans to give them the
declaration of war, Japan entered a war that they didnt win. Americans encountered hardships
throughout the war. However, they overcame the hostilities and were victorious.
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