preview

Why Did Japan Attack Pearl Harbor Research Paper

Decent Essays
Open Document

Why Did Japan Attack Pearl Harbor? The morning of December 7th, 1941 was calm and quiet on the island of Pearl Harbor. A gentle breeze was blowing, and the only thing one could hear was the gentle crashing of ocean waves. The people looking up at the bright blue sky would have no idea that this day would later live in infamy. On this day, hundreds of Japanese aircrafts and submarines suddenly attacked the island. Numerous U.S. weapons and ships were destroyed, and over two thousand people were killed in the attack. Japan attacked the U.S. because of embargo on oil, to create a new order, and because of the fleet expansion. One of many reasons why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor was because of the U.S. oil embargo. In comments at Imperial Conference in 1941, Japanese Prime Minister said, “Two years from now, we will have no petroleum for military use. … I fear that we would become a third class nation after two or three years.” (document E). Tojo is implying that the U.S. stopped oil trade intentionally to keep military from gaining this petroleum. He is angry about this.. He thinks this is the U.S. working to keep …show more content…

fleet expansion. In July of 1940, U.S. congress passes Naval Expansion Act. They promise to triple fleet size by 1944 (document C). The U.S. was building up their military to defend themselves. This could worry other countries. Japan is worried that the U.S. could possibly be stronger than Japan, or even attack. This would give a big reason to retaliate and fight against the United States. Next, Tojo says, “When I think about the expansion of the American fleet…, I see no end to difficulties. I fear we would become a third class nation.” (Document E) Tojo viewed the fleet expansion of the U.S. as a direct threat to Japan. They feared that the expansion would hurt Japan and lower their status. If they felt threatened, then they would feel fear for the country, naturally leading to wanting to

Get Access