Pearl Harbor, 9-11: parallels, differences

A look at the parallels and differences in the frenzied days and months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the terrorists attacks this year.

By Times staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 7, 2001

9-11-01

Day, Date & Time: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, 8:45 a.m.

Number killed: Over 3,600

Getting word

President Bush's chief of staff tells him about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center as the president finishes shaking hands with officials at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota. Bush speaks by phone with his national security adviser, who gives him the details before he goes into the classroom to meet with students. Millions of Americans are watching live television coverage of the burning trade center as the second plane slams into the south tower. In Sarasota, the chief of staff whispers the news into Bush's ear as the president talks to the children. He quickly wraps up the event.

The speech

Bush appears on national television at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 11 to say: "Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom, came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. . . . Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror."

Securing the nation

On the day of the attack, the FAA grounds all civilian aircraft nationwide, for the first time in history.

Military fighter jets patrol the skies over the nation's biggest cities. A presidential directive authorizes two Air Force generals to order civilian airliners shot down as a defense against hijacking.

Aircraft carriers are dispatched to New York and Washington.

Tourist attractions and skyscrapers are closed.

All 103 U.S. nuclear power plants are placed on the highest alert.

President Bush creates the Office of Homeland Security to bring all domestic security issues under one body.

Congress approves new antiterrorism measures that give the federal government broader law enforcement powers, making it easier for police to eavesdrop on phone conversations, seize voice messages, track e-mails and obtain certain confidential records.

Postal officials play down concerns over contaminated mail after letters with anthrax are mailed to media outlets and government officials in New York, Washington and Boca Raton.

Tourism

Florida's tourism industry has been particularly hard hit as a result of the terror attacks, which grounded airplanes for days and raised concerns about airline security.

Economic impact

The terrorism triggered job cuts at airlines, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and car rental agencies that exceeded by 100,000 the average declines in those industries in recent months.

Immigrants and aliens

More than 1,200 people are arrested or detained on suspicion of having information about the attacks. By the end of November, nearly 550 are still in custody on immigration violations; 104 have been charged with crimes.

Federal prosecutors and local police departments begin interviewing people on a list of 5,000 men ages 18 to 33 with Middle Eastern connections who fit the criteria of persons who might have knowledge of foreign-based terrorists.

The president approves the use of tribunals to try suspected terrorists who are not U.S. citizens.

Public sentiment

More than $1.3-billion is donated for victims' families, survivors and businesses affected by the attacks.

Flagmakers work around the clock to keep up with demand for Old Glory.

Celebrities

For the first time, the four main TV networks join together to produce a telethon, America: A Tribute to Heroes with dozens of Hollywood stars and athletes. The two-hour event airs on 30 national broadcast and cable networks and 8,000 radio stations. An estimated 89-million people tune in and more than $150-million is raised.

The Emmys are canceled twice and then rescheduled because of the attacks.

Sports

All professional sports suspend play one week.

College football games suspended.

PEARL HARBOR

Day, Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, 7:55 a.m.

Number killed: 2,390

Getting word

At the White House, President Franklin D. Roosevelt has just finished his lunch when he gets a call at 1:40 p.m. about the assault. Similarly, many families have barely risen from their noontime Sunday meal -- the special meal of the week -- when they hear about the attack on the radio.

The speech

Roosevelt stands before Congress on Dec. 8 to deliver his war message: "Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

Securing the nation

Roosevelt creates the Office of Civilian Defense to organize the population into support of the war effort. Block captains were given the authority to enroll volunteers for service as air wardens, auxiliary firefighters and police, drivers, nurses, messengers, etc.

Shoppers snatch up blackout window paint, flashlights, candles, portable radios and shovels. Shortages of black cloth to make blackout curtains are reported.

"Defensive Sea Areas" around 13 waterways and harbors are established. Vessels are advised that if they disobeyed naval authorities' orders they could be attacked by U.S. armed forces and subject to prosecution.

D.C. Zoo reports plan to kill its venomous snakes if capital attacked so they wouldn't get loose

Tourism

Florida's tourist industry is initially hurt by restrictions on travel. Hotels and restaurants are taken over by the military for use as barracks and mess halls. Rubber becomes the first item to be rationed. Gasoline soon follows. In 1943 gasoline rationing will become even more severe, with all forms of "pleasure driving" becoming illegal.

Economic impact

Signals the end of the joblessness of the Depression era. In the six years from 1939 to 1945, the average income will more than double.

Beginning in April 1942, sugar is rationed, followed by coffee, meats, butter, canned goods, dried peas and beans, and a variety of other products. In addition to food, other consumer products such as shoes and clothing are rationed or restricted.

Immigrants and aliens

In February 1942, the FBI starts search-and-seizure raids at the homes and businesses of "enemy aliens." Contraband items included cameras, firearms and shortwave radios. All "enemy Germans, Japanese and Italians over 14 years of age" are required to register at the post office.

In March, Congress authorizes the evacuation of the Japanese. Eventually over 120,000 American citizens of Japanese descent or resident Japanese aliens will be detained or relocated during the war.

Public sentiment

Crowds mass in New York's Times Square, rallying war sentiment with the words,"We're into it, boys."

Celebrities

Many actors and others involved in theatrical professions enlist in the military. Many in Hollywood also host benefits and entertain the enlisted.

Celebrities and athletes purchase and hawk war bonds and stamps. Babe Ruth buys $100,000 worth of defense savings bonds in December 1941.

The 1942 Academy Awards are canceled and then rescheduled.

Huge upswing in patriotic music writing.

Sports

The Rose Bowl is moved to North Carolina because of fears of an attack on the West Coast.

Major League Baseball banned night games and minor league ball is disbanded.

Spring training is eliminated.

Indy 500 canceled.

-- Sources: St. Petersburg Times files, Think Magazine, Encyclopedia Americana, History Today, New York Times, Encyclopedia of World War II, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post

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