“The parallels between 9/11 and Pearl Harbor are striking. In each instance there were warning signs before the attack, and in each instance our government failed to connect the dots.” -Diane Watson, former House Rep. (CA)

EQ: To what extent could the U.S. have prevented an attack on Pearl Harbor?

Background to Pearl Harbor attack September 1940 Japan occupies northern Indochina July 1941 Japan occupies southern Indochina July 1941 U.S. freezes Japanese assets and stops trade of oil

Attempts at negotiation between Japan and the U.S. Read documents and answer questions Did the U.S. make the right decision in rejecting settlements? Was it appropriate for the U.S. to demand Japanese withdrawal from China and Indochina?

Pearl Harbor

FDR’s war message “Yesterday, December 7, 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… The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost… 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. …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.”

Knowledge of an attack? Read documents – How much did the U.S. know of an impending attack? – Why was no action taken? Can such attacks be prevented? How?