How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
[…] Yesterday, December 7th, 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 (1).
Japan might have thought it had a good business plan with this whole "attack America" idea, but they couldn't have predicted that the U.S. would eventually level several of their cities with ginormously powerful atomic weapons. Infamy indeed.
Quote #2
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. (7-9)
Before this attack, the U.S. had largely tried to steer clear of the whole World War II scene. They just didn't want to get involved; it wasn't their fight. But that all changed when Japan went all Terminator on American land and made it impossible for the United States to stay out of the fray.
Quote #3
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. (10-15)
So Pearl Harbor wasn't the only target on Japan's military itinerary on that infamous weekend in December. Their troops wreaked havoc all over the Pacific. Not mentioned here: attacks on Thailand and Shanghai. It took less than 48 hours for the U.S., Britain, and China to declare war on Japan.
Quote #4
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. (19)
That's right, Japan: Commander-in-Chief Roosevelt isn't messing around here. The U.S. isn't going to take a few measures, or a measure here and there. Nope, it's all measures on deck to deal with this underhanded shadery. Teaser: A-bombs.
Quote #5
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire. (26)
This is where President Roosevelt officially asks Congress to declare war on Japan, and his wish is granted. Nobody puts Baby in a corner…or unexpectedly attacks an American military installation. Not on FDR's watch.