Answer:
False
Step-by-step explanation:
During World War II, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. While the attack was devastating, it did not cripple the US Navy. Although several battleships were damaged or destroyed, crucial aircraft carriers were not present and remained intact. These carriers became instrumental in the subsequent US efforts to push back against Japanese aggression.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US quickly mobilized its resources and rebuilt its naval power. The US Navy, aided by its aircraft carriers, played a crucial role in several significant battles in the Pacific, such as the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. These battles marked turning points in the war, where the US inflicted significant damage on the Japanese Navy and effectively halted their expansion.
Furthermore, the US provided significant military aid to other countries in Southeast Asia. Through strategies like island-hopping, the US forces successfully liberated territories occupied by Japan, including the Philippines, as part of their broader goal to defeat the Japanese Empire.
In conclusion, while the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor initially dealt a blow to the US Navy, it did not cripple the fleet nor prevent the US from supporting other countries in Southeast Asia. The US Navy regrouped and played a vital role in reversing Japanese advances in the Pacific.