Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor& US Involvement in World War II

US During the Inter War YearsAfter World War I, most Americans felt that they didnt want or need to be involved in Europes affairs.

US During the Inner War YearsAmerica went through a period of isolationism, which is the policy of avoiding political or military involvement with other countries.

Hostilities Begin in Europe

From 1935 1937, Congress passed a series of neutrality acts which made it illegal to sell weapons or lend money to countries that were at war.Hostilities Begin in Europe

In 1939, they began to allow Allies to buy weapons from us if they paid cash and came over on their own ships to get the weapons.Edging Towards WarBy the summer of 1941, the US navy was escorting British ships carrying US arms. Hitler ordered his submarines to sink any cargo ships.Edging Towards WarOn September 4, 1941 a German U-boat fired on a US destroyer in the Atlantic. FDR ordered navy commanders to respond, and shoot German submarines on sight. Technically we were involved in an undeclared naval battle with Hitler.Japans AmbitionsJapans ultimate goal was to build a large Japanese empire. They had already taken over Manchuria, and began moving into China. However, they still found themselves short of resources.

Japans AmbitionsJapan began looking at islands in the Pacific, specifically some of the European colonies.In 1941, Japan overran French Indochina. As a result of this FDR cut off oil supplies to them.

Leading up to the AttackBy August 1940, the US had cracked the Japanese code, and they knew Japan planned to attack Pacific islands. We still didnt want to get involved so we sent more aid money to Chinas resistance to fight the Japanese.Leading up to the AttackJapans naval strategist Isoroku Yamamoto planned massive attacks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the same time. He viewed Pearl Harbor as a dagger pointed at our throats and felt it was necessary to take it out.US was aware that a large attack was planned, but not the exact locations or when.Japan Attacks at Pearl Harbor

Early in the morning on December 7, 1941, sailors stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii awoke to the Japanese attacking them.Japan Attacks at Pearl Harbor

Within two hours, the Japanese had sunk or severely damaged 18 ships, eight of which were battleships. This was nearly the whole Pacific fleet.2400 Americans were killed, and nearly 1000 wounded.Pacific Before December 7, 1941

Locations Attacked by Japan

Aftermath of AttacksNews of the attack stunned the American people.

Aftermath of AttacksThe following day President Roosevelt made a speech asking Congress to declare war on Japan.Congress approved and the US was in the war.

Do NowTake out your Pearl Harbor Notes & Transcript of FDR Speech FDRs Address to the Nation

World War II AlliancesAlliesAxisBritain (and colonies)France (although they are occupied by Germany)Soviet UnionUnited StatesCanadaAustraliaGermanyAustriaItalyJapan