Question

What U.S. action influenced the Japanese decision to attack Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States in 1941? A) The U.S. banned the sale or iron, steel, and oil to Japan. The U.S. demanded that B) Japanese forces leave Manchuria C) The U.S. occupied the important island of Midway D) The U.S. condemned German aggression in Europe.

Answer 1

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor as a consequence of the U.S. decision to halt the sale of iron, steel, and oil to Japan, further fuelled by failed diplomatic negotiations. This cut-off essentially forced Japan to seek resources elsewhere, leading to its aggressive strategy that included an attack on Pearl Harbor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The U.S. action that largely influenced the Japanese decision to attack Pearl Harbor in 1941 was A) The U.S. banned the sale or iron, steel, and oil to Japan. In an attempt to dissuade Japan from its aggressive military actions in Asia, particularly China, the U.S. imposed an oil embargo and other economic sanctions in August 1941. Unable to access vital resources, Japan saw an opportunity in the resource-rich South Pacific. The U.S. embargo, coupled with an overall failure in diplomatic negotiations, pushed Japan to adopt a confrontational stance.

Believing the U.S. as a soft enemy, Japan mapped out an audacious plan to strike at Pearl Harbor while simultaneous negotiations were happening between Tokyo and Washington. Despite ominous signs at the end of November 1941 pointing towards a war, the United States was caught off guard by the sudden and devastating attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This event ultimately led to the U.S. declaration of war on Japan, marking the United States' formal entry into World War II.

Learn more about Pearl Harbor Attack