Pearl Harbor: A Day That Will Live in Question

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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 words spoken by President Franklin D Roosevelt to Congress when asking them to declare war on the Empire of Japan just one day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. That same day, December 8th, 1941, Congress indeed, declared war on the Empire of Japan (Pearl Harbor).
Pearl Harbor is seen as the most devastating “surprise attack” on U.S soil. But was Pearl Harbor really a surprise? There is a significant amount of evidence that supports the theory that President Franklin Roosevelt and other important U.S leaders knew of an attack on Pearl Harbor and did nothing to prevent it. It is said that they did this because F.D.R was determined to help England win the war and reap in the glory of doing so. Since the idea of entering the war was unpopular, something drastic would need to happen in order to change the U.S’s attitude towards foreign affairs. Pearl Harbor was their opportunity (Stinnett 15).
The first piece of evidence that supports this theory is the fact that the U.S had broken the Japanes...

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...n to fight which, many argue, is why Franklin Roosevelt allowed it to happen. Although very few, if any have accused him of planning the attack, the theory that he allowed it to happen as a “means to and end” is growing more and more popular. Whatever, F.D.R’s involvement, it is clear that the attack on Pearl Harbor was a key factor that caused the U.S to enter World War II.

Works Cited

"Pearl Harbor: Hawaii Was Surprised; FDR Was Not." Pearl Harbor: Hawaii Was Surprised; FDR Was Not. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2014. .

"Pearl Harbor." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 12 May 2014. .

Stinnett, Robert B.. Day of deceit: the truth about FDR and Pearl Harbor. New York, NY: Free Press, 2000. Print.

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