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Yesterday, December 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 its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt#49

WarHistoryPeaceDiplomacy

About this quote

What does it mean?
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a sudden betrayal that brought the US into war.
In plain terms
Japan attacked the US while we were talking peace.
What can you take from it?
Sudden aggression can end peace talks instantly.

Where it applies

  • discussing history
  • analyzing wars
  • remembering events

Putting it to work

  • honor history
  • support diplomacy
  • study past conflicts

Questions to consider

  • How does war begin?
  • Can peace survive surprise?

Another view

Context about Japan's strategic needs is missing from this text.

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  3. Many causes produce war. There are ancient hatreds, turbulent frontiers, the 'legacy of old forgotten, far-off things, and battles long ago.' There are new-bor…

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