Declaring War on Japan

Declaring War on Japan

Home Front Workers

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The Aftermath of Pearl Harbor

"...a date which will live in infamy"

"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 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"

Editor's Note: The United States was hesitant to engage in another World War after feeling the impacts of WWI. The country became the target for a large spread attack executed by the Japanese in early December of 1941. This event catapulted the US into the Second World War which had been ongoing in Europe and the Pacific theater for years before.

1941

Roosevelt, Franklin. “Address of the President to the Congress of the United States Broadcast from the Capitol, Washington, D. C.” Address. Washington D.C., December 8, 1941. The Master Speech Files, 1898, 1910-1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/_resources/images/msf/msfb0002.