Download Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941

IV. The United States Enters World War II
¾ The “Spark” for the United States:
Japanese surprise attack
Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941
“a date that will live in infamy”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Yesterday, December 7th, 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.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in
conversation with its Government and its Emperor [Hirohito] looking toward the maintenance of
peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the
American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States [Kichisaburō Nomura] and
his colleague [Saburō Kurusu] delivered to our Secretary of State [Cordell Hull] a formal reply to a
recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing
diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was
deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese
Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions
of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and
military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition
American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The
facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already
formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
dematteo global 10 hsw
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our
defense.
But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how
long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous
might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not
only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall
never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are
in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will
gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday,
December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our
defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .
dematteo global 10 hsw
A. Why did it Happen?
¾ In the early 1800’s the United States “opens” Japan to trade
after over 200 years of isolation. The Japanese could not
resist because they had missed the Industrial Revolution!
Quick
Japan swore that they world never be taken advantage of like
Japanese
that again and begin to modernize under a new government –
History
The Meiji Restoration. Part of their modernization is to also
Review
become a world power, so they also practice Militarism.
Because Japan is an island, they have limited resources, but
their neighbor China does not! China and the Asian Culture
Region eventually becomes the target of Japanese Imperialism
¾ With Hitler’s acts of aggression going unchallenged in Europe,
the Japanese saw their opportunity in the Pacific. They
targeted colonies held by the French, British, and Dutch as
sources of raw materials and natural resources. Japan invaded
French Indochina (presently Vietnam). As a result, the United
States placed a total trade embargo on Japan. The conditions
were that Japan leave Indochina. Faced with the decision of
giving in to the United States demands or going to war; Japan
chose war.
¾ The Japanese figured that the United States was unprepared
for war. The Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor in an
attempt to knock out the United States Navy in the region so
they could carry out their plans for take over of the Pacific
region without interference.
¾ The two hour early Sunday morning attack on Pearl Harbor
damaged 18 ships, including 8 battleships . Twenty-four
hundred Americans were killed and more than one thousand
wounded.
dematteo global 10 hsw
¾ News of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor angered
the United States. We declared war the next day, December 8th.
Feelings of Isolationism and Neutrality for many Americans
vanished and were replaced by anger and Nationalism.
The United States was again at war.
This is the second
time America was
forced enter a war
that we tried to
stay out of!!!
dematteo global 10 hsw
Western Education. New schools
were opened for all young people to
attend. Many students were sent to
study in Europe and the U.S.
Rebuilding. Building of railroads
and factories began, based on
Westem technology.
JAPAN BECOMES A WORLD POWER (1894-1941)
The Meiji Restoration helped Japan become a much more wealthy and powerful country. The Japan­
ese borrowed the technology and inventions of others and adapted them to their own needs. Following
the example of leading European nations, Japan became an imperialist nation, takIng over weaker
countries to gain natural resources, raw materials and markets in which to sell its goods. Japan set
out on a series ofwars that was to change it from an isolated, backward nation into a major world power.
SINO-JAPANESE WAR (1894-1895). Japan defeated China and took over control of Korea. This
alerted the world to Japan's new-found military strength.
RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR (1904-05). Japan defeated Russia and gained additional territory. This
further shocked the world, since it was the first time that Asians had defeated a major European power
like Russia.
WORLD WAR I (1914-1918). Japan fought on the side of the Allies and, as a result, gained some
territories from defeated Germany.
JAPAN ATTACKS CHINA (1937). In the 1930s, Japanese military leaders took over the government
of Japan. Its foreign policy became more aggressive. Japan occupied northern China in 1931, and
attacked the rest of China in 1937. The Japanese leaders hoped to build a vast empire over most of
East Asia.
WORLD WAR II (1941-1945). During World War II, Japan fought on the side of Germany and It­
• aly. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii. Japan won some early victories against the United States. In time, however, the United States
• defeated Japan after dropping two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
in August 1945. The atomic bombing ofthese two cities has been a hotly debated topic ever since. People
have different opinions on whether the United States should have used the bombs on civilian targets.
dematteo global 10 hsw