Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor? Did it have some strategic value?

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The United States and Japan were having some issues leading up to this attack.

Japan was expanding its control in Asia and in the Pacific. They had moved into China and had conquered several islands in the Pacific Ocean. The United States was displeased with this. We stopped selling Japan oil and scrap metal in 1940. We froze their assets in our banks in 1941.

Japan believed that if they could launch a surprise attack on us at Pearl Harbor, that they could destroy much of our navy and air force that were patrolling the Pacific. They also knew they could inflict damage on our army. If they were successful, Japan believed they would be able to control more land in Asia and in the Pacific.

Thus, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was strategic. They believed a victory over us at Pearl Harbor would allow them to control much land in the Pacific and in Asia.