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 United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. 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.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. 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.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."
Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote a letter to Congress askin to declare a state of war againts the Japanese empire after the pearl habor boming.
Roosevelt declared war on Japan the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 8th, 1941.
It was FDR not Teddy on 08 Dec 1941
President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan, which Congress did.
To declare war upon Japan.
Sorry for that last answer. Some people. It all started with Pearl Harbor for America. Since so much damage was inflicted, Roosevelt soon asked the UN to declare war on Japan.
No, President Roosevelt did not declare war on his own. The president can not declare war on his own. He did however, ask congress to declare war after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.
It was FDR not Teddy on 08 Dec 1941
President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan, which Congress did.
To declare war upon Japan.
Sorry for that last answer. Some people. It all started with Pearl Harbor for America. Since so much damage was inflicted, Roosevelt soon asked the UN to declare war on Japan.
December 8, 1941.The day after the attack on Pear Harbor.
to convince Congress to declare war on Japan
In December of 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. Congress agreed and the United States was at war with Japan.
No, President Roosevelt did not declare war on his own. The president can not declare war on his own. He did however, ask congress to declare war after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.
FDR did not declare war on any nation, war was declared on them (by a German public address) or by Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, which was perceived as an obvious act of war, thus making the USA at war with Japan.
To persuade them to declare war explanation (Apex)
Not exactly. The President is not allowed to declare way; the Constitution reserves this power to the Congress. But on December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt addressed a special session of Congress and requested that Congress declare that a state of war existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
99 percent voted to declare war on Japan. Jeanette Rankin of Montana held out to vote no. The war declaration was voted upon and President Roosevelt made the announcement on the radio and sent the declaration to Japan.