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Online Program

Online Lecture: Day of Infamy — The Attack on Pearl Harbor & Its Enduring Legacy

Program No. 24812RJ
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
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At a Glance

Join us to honor the anniversary of the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor for a poignant lecture with Dr. Spencer Jones, esteemed historian and author. On December 7th 1941, the Japanese navy launched a surprise assault that forever changed the course of history. Through intricate planning, they aimed to cripple the U.S. Fleet — leading President Roosevelt to declare it "a day which will live in infamy." In this free lecture, Dr. Jones will discuss the pivotal events and devastating losses of that day, and explore the enduring legacy that still reverberates in military and global history.

General Notes

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.
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Spencer Jones
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Armchair General World War One: Can You Win the Great War?'

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Spencer Jones View biography
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Armchair General World War One: Can You Win the Great War?'
Participant Reviews
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This participant did not give a star rating.
Bill | Minnetonka, MN
Will this program (or any of others that you have done) ever be posted to a web page or a streaming service?
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ricardo – Class of 2024 | Woodbury, MN
Great being able to take free seminars online!
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Dorothy – Class of 2015 | Harlingen, TX
The lecturer was obviously extremely knowledgeable and told us about the history leading up to Pearl Harbor as well as the event itself and some of the most noted participants. However, next time I'd like to see more on the event itself and a little less time spent on the history.
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Jon – Class of 2022 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL
I have used Zoom before, usually successfully, but this time I simply couldn't get it to work. It didn't recognize my user ID or password information, and kept looping back to the sign in page. I didn't know the program number, but I don't think it would have mattered. How can I watch the recording of the presentation? I haven't found a link yet.
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Doreen | Rohnert Park, CA
All my questions were answered by Dr. Jones' presentation on Pearl Harbor. I understood from a historical standpoint Japan's invasion of China and, from a military standpoint, their mission to eliminate any opposition from the United States in their quest for much needed oil and minerals. Thus, if they destroyed the United States naval assets in Pearl Harbor, the United States could no longer interfere with their goal of taking over the Southeast Asian countries that possessed the oil and minerals they needed to continue the war with China. Dr. Jones is a wonderful lecturer and his visual aids made his presentation so clear and understandable, informative and interesting.
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Patti | Agoura Hills, CA
As per previous email. Please forward the recording to me. I was unable to attend the live event.
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Dave | Charlotte, NC
A very good review of the events of the Pearl Harbor attack and the history that lead up to the attack.
— Review left December 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Patty – Class of 2021 | Kirkland, WA
I love how Road Scholar keeps finding such knowledgeable professionals on each of the various subjects. Sometimes it's a challenge to understand the good information with the various accents - but I think that's part of the charm;-)
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Muriel | Yakima, WA
The presentation on the bombing of Pearl Harbor was well researched and gave background from the early 20th century on Japan and its role in the Pacific region. The non-American presenter was able to give a presentation lacking in notable bias on this event in World War 2.
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Shirley – Class of 2023 | Houston, TX
Excellent and comprehensive!4
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Norma – Class of 2011 | Pacific Grove, CA
I would highly recommend any lecture by Dr. Spencer Jones. He has an expansive knowledge of WWII. I especially enjoyed his lecture about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Wolfgang | Burnaby, Canada
I learned more from this one hour lecture than I did at a half-day visit to Pearl Harbor
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Karen – Class of 2021 | Saint Paul, MN
Absolutely outstanding program to understand the historical context of the Pearl Harbor attack - the events leading up to the attack, how Japan planned the attack and then carried it out, and the aftermath of the attack. Highly recommend.
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
David – Class of 2019 | Carmichael, CA
Bravo to Spencer Jones for a fine educational hour. I learned a great deal and was engaged and entertained the entire 70 minutes.
— Review left December 12, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Julia – Class of 2016 | Redmond, OR
Good information.
— Review left March 27, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Theda – Class of 2021 | Windsor, CT
Fascinating look at the how and why of Pearl Harbor. The speaker is extremely knowledgeable and has such a great speaking style that you don't want him to stop. Thoroughly enjoyed this program - as I do all the many Road Scholar programs I've attended.
— Review left December 25, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ross – Class of 2018 | Concord, CA
Spencer Jones' presentation on Pearl Harbor is a must for any student of WWII history.
— Review left December 17, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Dick | Greenville, SC
The presentation of events surrounding the Pearl Harbor attach in 1941 were well presented and clear. The lecture was fascinating. Well done! I look forward to more.
— Review left December 8, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Morton | Buffalo Grove, IL
Outstanding knowledgeable, well-organized presentation.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
R | Newmarket, NH
Superb!
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Erica – Class of 2018 | Newport, VA
The British point of view on Pearl Harbor really puts it in a different light.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Leah – Class of 2017 | Efland, NC
Professor Spencer Jones went beyond all expectations in providing a clear and well organized presentation on the event of Pearl Harbor and how it fit into world history leading up to World War II. Prior to the Lecture I was embarrassed at how woefully inadequate my knowledge and understanding was of this event, and now I no longer feel that way! Thank YOU, Professor Jones. I will certainly sign up for other lectures you offer through Road Scholar!
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ellen Dianne – Class of 2010 | Denver, CO
Spencer Jones is an exceptional speaker and the content was beyond my expectations in regards to the depth of the historical information that he shared.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Monica – Class of 2021 | Germantown, WI
My father, who was a Pearl Harbor Survivor , would have loved to hear his insight on how and why the Japanese bombed it. Thank you.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Kristin | San Jose, CA
The speaker did a great job of researching the topic, showing related photographs, and being passionate with the presentation. He kept me interested the entire hour of the talk.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Norma – Class of 2011 | Pacific Grove, CA
Excellent lecture by Spencer Jones of the history and events leading up to the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. His in depth knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack is not to be missed.
— Review left December 7, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Julianna – Class of 2003 | Sherwood, OR
Spencer Jones is an excellent lecturer. He really knows his subjects and can answer questions. Thoroughly enjoyable program on "Day of Infamy".
— Review left December 7, 2023





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