Japan Attacks Pearl
Until Japan attacked Pearl the US didn't want to become active in the
world war. The US had placed most of the navy at Pearl as a deterrent to
Japan to keep their place.
Japan however wanted to continue expanding southward, to control all of
the Pacific and the shipments that traveled across it, including oil.
The Japanese navy orchestrated a huge aerial attack on Pearl, it was
thought out, careful, measured and accurate. They nearly destroyed the
aging US navy stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl felt the first of the attacks at 0753 7
December, 1941 The
second wave followed at 0855 that same fateful day. By the end of the
day the Japanese navy had seriously hurt the US and shoved us into war.
2,403 dead Americans, 188 destroyed planes and 8 destroyed
battleships. The Japanese were hugely successful and we were totally
unprepared for the war.
President Roosevelt didn't hear about the attack until lunch time
12/7/41. He prepared the following address for congress and presented it
12/8/41.
"Yesterday, December 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. 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 looking toward the
maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air
squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the
United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a
form reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it
seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it
contained no threat or hit of war or 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 had 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. 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 Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending
throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday 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. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have
directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we
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 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 very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again. 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 unbounded 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 seventh, a state of war has existed between
the United States and the Japanese Empire."
Franklin D. Roosevelt The White House, December 8, 1941
The United States of America is at war. The following day Germany and Italy as partners of Japan declare war on the US.
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