Infamy: The Battle Of Pearl Harbor

In the beginning of the 1930’s the U.S had no desire to enter another world war or involve themselves in European foreign affairs. The U.S policy of isolationism was extremely popular not only with citizens but with government officials as well. With this being said, what factors could have contributed to the U.S involvement in World War II? . Pearl Harbor was the main factor that led to the U.S involvement in World War II despite the fact that the fact that the overwhelming majority of the country wanted nothing to do with the war in Europe. (Foner 856) “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.” These were the

“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…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.” (Senate Document No. 148) This speech would echo through history as the moment the United States officially entered the most costly five year period in all of human history. President Roosevelt continued stating multiple islands and American

“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” (1). These are the words Franklin Delano Roosevelt chose to begin his Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. FDR’s speech was a call to arms, and in his speech he expressed outrage towards Japan and confidence in inevitable triumph. The speech was a request to declare war against Japan and to bring the United States into World War II. FDR’s speech was successful in bringing the United States into World War II because FDR presented facts explaining why war needed to be declared and used righteous indignation

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval plus the air forces of the Empire of Japan.” The bombing of Pearl Harbor was the start of America’s entrance into the Second World War. Just before 08:00 on the Sunday morning, hundreds of fighter planes descended onto the naval base incapacitating almost 20 naval vessels along with over 300 airplanes. The attack on Pearl Harbor also killed over 2,400 Americans

On December 2, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, sinking and disabling 19 battleships and destroying aircraft 188 and 159. A newspaper from 1945 states that President Roosevelt described the attack as “a day that will live in infamy”. This shows how devastating the attack was and how big of an impact it had on the U.S. The attack began with dive-bombers attacking the navy and marine airfields to neutralize American air power so that the attack on the warships could proceed without any problems. Amid the roar of engines and the crash of bombs, Japan turned Pearl Harbor into a smoke-filled inferno of blazing, exploding warships and installations.

On December 2, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, sinking and disabling 19 battleships and destroying aircraft 188 and 159. A newspaper from 1945 states that President Roosevelt described the attack as “a day that will live in infamy”. This shows how devastating the attack was and how big of an impact it had on the U.S. The attack began with dive-bombers attacking the navy and marine airfields to neutralize American air power so that the attack on the warships could proceed without any problems. Amid the roar of engines and the crash of bombs, Japan turned Pearl Harbor into a smoke-filled inferno of blazing, exploding warships and installations.

The president at the time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made an impactful speech. “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. 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.” This speech impacted American’s all over the United States, and they started to rise up and protect their country.

The day of December 7, 1941, makes most Americans cringe. As said by Franklin D. Roosevelt or FDR, “a date which will live in infamy.” On this day, Japanese fighter planes bombed the Pearl Harbor Navy base and demolished 20 navy vessels, 8 battleships, and 300 planes. 2,000 American soldiers and sailors were killed along with 1,000 that were wounded. Every American was appalled after the disaster. The bombing was devastating, however, it led to a change in America. The next day, December 8, 1941, FDR spoke about the incident and declared war on Japan, officially becoming a part of World War 2. During his speech, he said,

Sunday 7th December was a day like no other for American citizens. It was the beginning of a transition into a new age not just in the United States, but would affect the world as a whole. Just before 8am, the American naval base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii was swarmed with a surprise attack from Japanese fighter planes. The attack lasted approximately two hours, but was more than enough time to leave an immense devastation in it’s wake. The Japanese managed to obliterate nearly 20 American naval vessels, which included eight massive battleships, and more than 300 airplanes. A death count of American soldiers and sailors exceeding 2,000, as well as another 1,000 wounded. The day after the assault, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave

December 7 , 1941 It was just another beautiful Sunday morning in America , some Americans woke up to praise the lord and others went out for a run and others still asleep after a long Saturday , but Americans didn’t know what was coming . On this day Japan decided to attack Pearl Harbor . Japan coming in blasting and destroying everything see while America is asleep . Japan launched roughly 200 planes on pearl harbor. The Americans didn’t expect none of this especially on a Sunday morning. The attack shocked the American public , as most of the attention was focused on Europe and Hitlers two year ,two front of conquest. The Japanese managed to destroy nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight enormous battleships, and more than 300 airplanes. More than 2,000 Americans soldiers and sailors died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded . Japan initial success ,it failed to deliver the knockout punch on the U.S pacific fleet that it hoped for . The day after Pearl Harbor ,December 8, president Franklin Roosevelt asked congress for a declaration of war. He quoted “no matter now long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion , the American people in their righteous might will win through

“Yesterday, December seventh, 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. We will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt). Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered this speech, to the people of America, After the attack of Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor was attacked by 353 Japanese fighter planes, bombers, and torpedo planes that were launched from 6 aircraft carriers. The Attack By the Japanese naval and air forces resulted in 3581 casualties, 188 aircraft destroyed, and three cruisers, 3

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, at 7:55 AM the Japanese Empire led a surprise attack on the US Naval base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, that would leave millions of Americans in shock, and heartbroken. Before the attack, the United States kept a low profile on International affairs, and concentrated on the domestic affairs at hand. This tragic moment in American history forever remembered. It is a mournful day for the American people, although, for the Japanese Empire it was an honorable day, one they would call a

In July 1940, the U.S. placed an embargo on Japan, hoping they would restrain Japan 's military aggression in China. Japan, a proud nation, would not hear of being dictated to by the United States and began to prepare for the attack on Pearl Harbor in early 1941. Meanwhile, there was some warning of the attack on America, but it went without being duly acknowledged. The day before the attack occurred, a code-breaker intercepted a message from the Japanese concerning the movement of ships at Pearl Harbor. The operator relayed the message to the superior officers who said they would get back to the radioman on Monday, December 8, 1941 (Socolow 43). Also, on the morning of the attack, a radar operator saw a large group of airplanes on the radar screen, and when he reported this, the senior officer said it was probably just some US Bombers and not to worry about them (HistoryNet.Com). The Japanese planes flew under the radar by flying through a pass in the mountains called Kolekole Pass. This maneuver added to the surprise of the attack. The frantic attack began on Sunday at 7:55 in the morning. A little before ten the entire attack was over (Pearl Harbor, Attack On). The men of Pearl Harbor fought with valor.

December 7th, 1941 will forever be remembered. The day after this attack President Roosevelt gave a speech to congress (Roosevelt, 1941). December 7th is the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and forever changed the course of the war. While the United States had many reasons to enter the war, the attack on Pearl Harbor was what finally drew them into the war. The Japanese thought attacking Pearl Harbor would cripple the United States ability to produce ships to support allied countries, and cripple the United States military. The United States had remained neutral up until this point. This atrocious attack was what finally brought the United States into World War II.

“December 7th 1941- A date that will live in infamy.” This opening statement is the first powerful line said by President Roosevelt to the American people after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This greatness of this opening line will be forever be ingrained in the minds of every American citizen, especially the people who lived during the most significant war of the 20th century. The bombing of Pearl Harbor is an event that can never be forgotten, and President Roosevelt’s speech in response to this appalling attack is just as significant. The objective of this speech was to urge Congress to declare war on Japan. Roosevelt’s speech after Pearl Harbor is one of the more recognizable and important speeches in all of American history. His speech incorporates bountiful instances of rhetorical devices, such as logos, pathos, and ethos. By analyzing these rhetorical devices, one is able to see Roosevelt’s vigorous use of emotion, his strength in addressing his character and reputation rather than focusing too heavily upon appeals to logic and reason, ultimately to get the result he wants from his audience. The profound power of this speech resonates with all who read and hear it.