"Franklin Roosevelt's War Message"
1. How did President Roosevelt characterize the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor
on Dec. 7, 1941?
Roosevelt characterized the Pearl Harbor attack as an unexpected and deliberate strike
with the goal of destroying the United States. He emphasized that it was not only
violent but also blatantly dishonest because it was carried out while Japan feigned a
desire for peace. He described it as a startling deed that would go down in history as a
day of shame.
2. Whywas it important for Roosevelt to place the onus for the war on the
Japanese Empire?
Roosevelt needed to demonstrate that the war was solely Japan's fault. By doing this,
he portrayed America as the target of aggression rather than the aggressor. This
reassured the world that the United States was fighting for necessity rather than
choice, helped unite the country, and dispelled any doubts about joining the conflict.
3. How did Roosevelt's war message set the tone for the American war effort in
the Pacific? How did the beginning of the war in the Pacific set the stage for the
end of the war in the Pacific?
Roosevelt's speech called for unity, bravery, and complete victory, preparing the
nation for a protracted and resolute battle in the Pacific. When Japan launched a
surprise attack at the start of the war, the Americans were infuriated and resolved to
retaliate fully. Through tenacious military campaigns and, ultimately, Japan's
surrender following tremendous pressure from the United States, that same resolve
influenced how the war concluded. To put it briefly, the attack that started the war
gave rise to the determination that brought it to a resounding conclusion.
