Question

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Infamy Speech

December 8, 1941

"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. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. 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.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

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. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounded determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

Which answer best summarizes the key message in this speech?
A) We had been negotiating peacefully with Japan and apparently were deceived.
B) We have been attacked in an evil manner, and we will respond with due force.
C) We have little to fear if we combine our determined efforts to overcome this evil.
D) We must find the fortitude to endure another war, but it can be done with your commitment.

Answer 1

A) We had been negotiating peacefully with Japan and apparently were deceived.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this speech, Roosevelt wants to convey the idea that the attacks by Japan were unexpected, and that Japan acted deceitfully. He tells us that Japan and the United States had been discussing ways in which peace in the Pacific could be maintained. They had no reason to believe that Japan was not looking for peace as well. However, the Japanese had been planning the attack on Pearl Harbor for months, which shows that the Americans had in fact been deceived.

Answer 2

A) We had been negotiating peacefully with Japan and apparently were deceived.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Infamy Speech was a discourse conveyed by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a Joint Session of the US Congress on December 8, 1941, one day after the Empire of Japan's attack on the US maritime base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the Japanese affirmation of war on the United States and the British Empire.