1. Why did Roosevelt call the attack on Pearl Harbor “a date which will live in infamy”?
2. To what extent were “our people, our territory, and our interests… in grave danger”?
3. Do you agree with his use of wording and why do you think he chose to speak this way to Congress?
Roosevelt called the attack on Pearl Harbor “a date which will live in infamy” because it was one of the worst attacks targeted at the United States at the time. “While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.”(188) The attack was highly planned, unprovoked and unsuspected. The United States was not yet in the war, so the attack on Pearl Harbor was something that until that moment seemed very unlikely, especially by Japan.
I think that “our people, our territory, and our interests…” were “in grave danger” Because for the first time the threat of war on our territory was real. The attack on Pearl Harbor showcased how strong Japan was, and that they were not afraid to come into our space and destroy it. Until this attack, the war seemed far away and it was not a real threat for the United States but the bombing removed the feeling of safety that the sea gave Americans.
I agree with the way Roosevelt worded his speech, and I think he spoke how he did because he needed to get across how crucial it was for America to take action. This attack caused mass destruction of American lives and naval equipment, and Roosevelt needed to make sure there was no way that Congress would not declare war. “...will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.”(188) Roosevelt used powerful and commanding language while staying collected and informed.
2. To what extent were “our people, our territory, and our interests… in grave danger”?
3. Do you agree with his use of wording and why do you think he chose to speak this way to Congress?
Roosevelt called the attack on Pearl Harbor “a date which will live in infamy” because it was one of the worst attacks targeted at the United States at the time. “While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.”(188) The attack was highly planned, unprovoked and unsuspected. The United States was not yet in the war, so the attack on Pearl Harbor was something that until that moment seemed very unlikely, especially by Japan.
I think that “our people, our territory, and our interests…” were “in grave danger” Because for the first time the threat of war on our territory was real. The attack on Pearl Harbor showcased how strong Japan was, and that they were not afraid to come into our space and destroy it. Until this attack, the war seemed far away and it was not a real threat for the United States but the bombing removed the feeling of safety that the sea gave Americans.
I agree with the way Roosevelt worded his speech, and I think he spoke how he did because he needed to get across how crucial it was for America to take action. This attack caused mass destruction of American lives and naval equipment, and Roosevelt needed to make sure there was no way that Congress would not declare war. “...will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.”(188) Roosevelt used powerful and commanding language while staying collected and informed.
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