Unbeknownst to the United States, a Japanese aircraft carrier fleet was stealthily heading toward Hawaii. The objectives of the Japanese attack were simple. Japan did not expect to conquer the United States or even force the abandonment of Hawaii with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States was too big a threat to its newly acquired territories. With holdings in the Philippines, Guam, American Samoa, and other small islands, Japan was vulnerable to American naval attack. A rapid first strike against most of the US PACIFIC FLEET would severely cripple the US ability to respond. The hopes were that Japan could capture the PHILIPPINES and American island possessions before the American navy could recover and retaliate. An impenetrable fortress would then extend throughout the entire Pacific Rim. The United States, distracted by European events, will be forced to recognize the new order in East Asia. 6. What was the main objective of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii?