Question

Why was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor such a surprise?

The United States and Japan were allies and had signed a non-aggression pact.
The United States obtained no intelligence hinting at a surprise attack in the Pacific.
American officials did not think Japan had the capability to attack Hawaii.

Answer 1

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise due to the alliance between the United States and Japan, the lack of intelligence regarding an attack, and the belief that Japan did not have the capability to attack Hawaii.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was such a surprise for several reasons. First, the United States and Japan were allies and had signed a non-aggression pact, which led American officials to believe that an attack was unlikely. Second, the United States obtained no intelligence hinting at a surprise attack in the Pacific. Lastly, American officials did not think Japan had the capability to attack Hawaii, as they believed the distance was beyond Japan's reach.

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