preview

The Attack On Pearl Harbor

Good Essays

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, the U.S. stepped foot into the territory of the most destructive war throughout the entire course of history. On this particular day, Japan sent 361 planes launched from six aircraft carriers and bombed Pearl Harbor, a naval base located in Hawaii. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the first stage that led us into the war. Many believe that this day was considered to be among the most darkest days of American history, but was the real reason behind the attack? The reason Japan attacked Pearl Harbor is because of the embargoes we imposed on Japan, racial superiority, and the fear of the U.S.’s actions. Firstly, the main reason why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor is due to the embargo the U.S. laid on Japan. In 1937, Japan attacked China and further invaded into their territory. To prevent from further destruction of their ally, the U.S. stopped all trade with Japan. In 1939, the “U.S. began an embargo of aircraft and aircraft parts against Japan.” (Document C) Later on, the United States would result in freezing all Japanese assets and bank accounts.(Document C) With no money, this sent Japan’s economy tumbling down. The final straw was when the U.S. decided to “impose an embargo on oil shipments to Japan.” (Document C) In the late 1930’s, 80% of Japan’s oil came from the United States ranging from as high as 380 tons. Since then, this rate had dropped. (Document D) At the time, Japan highly depended on the resource of oil to be able to build up their

Get Access