Which US military conflict began with a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor?

The correct answer is World War II, which began with the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This event dramatically altered the course of the war and the United States' role in global affairs. The surprise aerial assault conducted by the Japanese Imperial Navy targeted the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, leading to significant loss of life and damage to the Pacific Fleet.

The attack was a pivotal moment that led to the United States formally entering World War II, aligning with the Allies against the Axis Powers. It united public opinion in favor of entering the war and marked a shift from isolationism to active involvement in international conflicts.

Other military conflicts like World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War began under different circumstances and with different political contexts. World War I began in 1914 and involved complex alliances, while the Vietnam War was heavily influenced by Cold War tensions and began in earnest in the 1960s. The Korean War, starting in 1950, was rooted in the division of Korea post-World War II and was characterized by the conflict between North and South Korea. Thus, World War II is distinct for its initiation with the Pearl Harbor attack, making it the correct response