Pearl Harbor Speech

Pearl Harbor Speech

December 8th 1941

Sorry for the typo at the end of the movie.

Yesterday, Dec. 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 the 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 colleagues 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 unbounding 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

• Category

  Education

[Lauren Thompson]

that doesnt answer my question buutt okay then..

[theb3rn7]

I'm liberal and I agree with you. The use of the Atomic bombs was a gruesome, but necessary action.

[patriciaenola]

For Pearl there was Hiroshima - also in the UK for Coventry there was Dresden - and so it goes - war does not prove who is right - only who is left

[Panos Kap]

You a retard or something?

[ExRainStormXX]

You're not worth of my time. I already given you evidence and you chose to ignore it but rather than repeating it (which is a fail btw). Also, the Emperor already mentioned in this speech on August 15 that the atomic bomb was the factor of surrender.

[ThatRandomHistoryGuy]

Its fact that a blockade would have eventually lead to the Japanese surrender, you said that yourself. I am saying there were better ways for America to end WWII other then trying out their newest toy on 200,000 innocent civilians.

[ExRainStormXX]

Just admit you lose an argument because everytime you repeat them, you're not making enough points. Listen buddy, if you want to win, then you're going to have to present realistic evidence.

[ThatRandomHistoryGuy]

No here is what I'm saying.

No atomic bombs

No Invasion

Yes to blockade which would save for lives then then dropping two atomic bombs.

Yes to letting Japan try to continue WWII

Yes to them giving up after they realize continuing the war would be pointless.

[ExRainStormXX]

So you admit that naval blockade was the not main factor and then you said the bombs shouldn't not been dropped. You want us to invade Japan in getting tens of thousands of our soldiers killed on the drive to Tokyo? FAIL.

Many times you didn't provide any realistic proof that the bombs shouldn't been dropped when I already lay out the facts for you.

You're running out of arguments so I think YOU should get through your head and this discussion is not worthy of my time. Just admit defeat.

[ThatRandomHistoryGuy]

Get it through your head. I never said the naval blockade was the main factor. I'm saying the bombs shouldn't have been dropped, period.

[ExRainStormXX]

Oh and if a naval blockade was the main factor in surrender, please explain Hirohito's "Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War" speech on August 15, 1945, the day of his acceptance of unconditional surrender.

The speech said, "Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives."

This is real proof that A-bombs played much more role in the surrender than the naval blockade.