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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker formally declares war against Japan following an unprovoked attack on December 7, 1941.
In plain terms
A state of war exists with Japan after the attack on December 7, 1941.
What can you take from it?
Officially declare war following unprovoked aggression.

Where it applies

  • state of union
  • formal declaration
  • congress speech

Putting it to work

  • initiate formal war
  • mobilize nation

Questions to consider

  • What justifies war?
  • How to respond to attack?

Another view

It presents a binary state of war without acknowledging diplomatic nuance.

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