TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Dec. 7, 1941

Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as part of its plan to conquer Southeast Asian territories; the raid, which claimed some 2,400 American lives, prompted the United States to declare war against Japan the next day.

ALSO ON THIS DATE 1787

Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1917

During World War I, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary.

1946

Fire broke out at the Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta; the blaze killed 119 people, including hotel founder W. Frank Winecoff.