-
Trade Sanctions
After Japan invades North China, the United States passes economic sanctions against them in attempt to stop their expansion in Asia. This includes oil and other resources that Japan needed at the time. This embargo angered Japan, who did not sit quietly and saw these actions as a sign of war. -
Threats Towards the United States
The United States ambassador to Japan, Joseph Grew, warns the U.S. about a possible surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Many people in Washington refused to believe that Hawaii would be a target. Because of this, Pearl Harbor was left relatively undefended. -
The U.S. Decode Japanese Messages
Intelligence officers in Washington monitor Japanese secret messages from Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. They intercept over 50 messages and discover that Japan are planning a surprise attack on the United States. With this information the United States government believe that Japan target would be Manila in the Philippine Islands. -
Negotiations
Japan were ready to go to war unless the U.S agreed to its southern expansion in Asia. Their main target was to wipe out the Pacific Fleet to keep them from fighting back whilst Japan closes in on their targets across the South Pacific. Although both countries attempted to negotiate with one another, neither one could come to an agreement. War was closing in. -
Japan Attacks
Japanese fleets arrive at Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7th. Without any prior warnings Pearl Harbor is left extremely vulnerable. As a result of a surprise attack Japanese military killed over 2,400 Americans and wounded around 1,200. The attack lasted around two hours and about 19 U.S ship were damaged/sunken -
Roosevelts Letter to Congress
After receiving news about the attack on Pearl Harbor hours after, U.S President Franklin D. Roosevelt prepares a speech to Congress titled "Day of Infamy" in attempt to declare war on Japan -
The United States Declares War on Japan
After President Roosevelt delivers his speech to Congress, the United States declares war on Japan, resulting in their entry to World War II. -
Bombing of Hiroshima
To end the war with Japan, The United States drops the first ever atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima killing over 80,000 people. -
Bombing of Nagasaki
Three days later a second bomb is dropped on the city of Nagasaki killing around 40,000 people. While the main goal was to end the war with Japan, another reason was to send a message to the rest of the world on the type of weaponry the U.S has.