Conflict And Resolution Of The Attack On Pearl Harbor

Disagreements, miscommunications, and disputes are a part of everyday life, they are apparent throughout history for being the cause of many major battles and wars. Having two different viewpoints on a subject is quite a simple subject to resolve but not all resolutions throughout history are positive, many are a gateway to a larger conflict. The attack on Pearl Harbor was an event sparked by a misunderstanding between Japan and America. This bombing of a naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii was just the beginning. Japan took action and America retaliated leading both countries and many more into World War II. The historical theme of conflict and resolution is apparent throughout the attack on Pearl Harbor and can be found in the significance this

This was a conflict where tensions had been increasing for a while before one country finally snapped. Said to have spanned over four decades, Japan attempted to intimidate Western countries such as America. Their rivalry had little to no impact on one another until it came to their interests in gaining control of Asian resources and Chinese markets. In 1931 the situation changed, Japan created a new regime named Manchukuo but the United States refused to accept it and how it was forced upon the nation of China. The three countries fought and disagreed for years until a full-scale war was officially launched between China and Japan in 1937. Despite America supporting the Chinese during this war they unintentionally continued to provide Japan with resources such as steel and iron up until 1940 when President Franklin Roosevelt cut off all shipments and later took away Japan’s access to the US oil supply in 1941. Historian David M. Kennedy, PhD, summarized it perfectly, “Each [nation] stepped through a series of escalating moves that provoked but failed to restrain the other, all while lifting the level of confrontation to ever-riskier

Over 2,000 lives were lost that day, 1,000 were left injured, and all who witnessed this tragedy were left with memories and experiences they will never forget. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt heard of the attack he immediately got to work on preparing his address to deliver to Congress the next day. As he was addressing the session of Congress Roosevelt said, “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.” The President's speech to Congress not only aided them in making their decision but also united the American people in their determination to go to war. That same day, December 8, Congress approved the declaration of war against Japan. Not even three days later did Japan's allies, Germany and Italy declare war against America as well. With the newly declared enemies, the United States of America was officially welcomed into the Second World