The Attack On Pearl Harbor

9 Pages 2273 Words

THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

Thesis Statement: Pearl Harbor was one of the greatest tragedies ever to Americans. This horrible act committed by the Japanese was enough to send the United States, which was neutral at the time, into World War II. As some people said this was the awakening of a “Sleeping Giant” or a “Sleeping Dragon”.
World War II was well under way when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. It came as a shock to many and is a very reminiscent incident. The event that took place on December 7, 1941, has and always will be a very significant event in American and world history. It shaped the way of the war and left a huge impact on American society. Just the name Pearl Harbor brings to mind “A day that will live in infamy” when the United States was forced into World War II.
During the 20’s Japan suffered greatly due to industrial overcapacity and increased competition in Asia. (7) Japan was left struggling to get back on top, and was desperate for economic growth. There was also a shortage of foreign food supplies to keep up with a growing population, and with the Depression in 1931, this desolate country took a major blow, especially in terms of their trading economy. Japan was left with little and was forced to acquire new resources from China. Although times were bad in Japan, they were motivated by their quest for supremacy.
On the road to War In 1931 the Japanese Imperial Army invaded Manchuria and set up a puppet state, Manchuko. The League of Nations condemned this attack and Japan replied by withdrawing from the League. When the Japanese easily took Manchuria, they were eager to obtain more. By 1937, they were ready for a full invasion of China. Large areas were occupied along the coast as well as the Hainan Islands in 1939. Meanwhile, plans for war were underway lead by Japanese Admiral Yamamoto.
President Roosevelt was beginning to sense the possibility of war and began to read...