Final answer:
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a result of Japan's militaristic expansion, the U.S. embargo on Japan, and the failure of diplomatic negotiations. Before the attack, Americans held views of isolationism but were sympathetic to countries under attack. The attack on Pearl Harbor changed public opinion and led to America joining WWII.
Step-by-step explanation:
Events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor:
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, and was a result of several important events. One of the main events was Japan's militaristic expansion in the 1930s, which led to their invasion of China in 1937 and their subsequent occupation of French Indochina in 1940. These actions strained relations with the United States as they were seen as a threat to American interests in the Pacific.
An additional event was the U.S. imposing an embargo on Japan, restricting their access to critical resources such as oil and scrap metal. This was in response to Japan's aggression in Asia and their alliance with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The embargo increased tensions between the two countries and further escalated the likelihood of conflict.
A final event was the failure of diplomacy between the United States and Japan. Despite attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution, such as the Hull Note where the U.S. demanded that Japan remove all their forces from China and Indochina, no agreement was reached. This breakdown in diplomatic efforts left the path to war open.
American views of WWII before the attack:
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the general sentiment among Americans was one of isolationism and a desire to avoid involvement in foreign conflicts. The nation was still recovering from the Great Depression, and there was a belief that America should prioritize its domestic issues over international affairs.
However, there were also growing concerns about the rise of aggressive Fascist powers, including Germany, Italy, and Japan. Many Americans sympathized with countries under attack, such as Britain and China, and believed in supporting them morally and economically. Still, there was no widespread support for direct military intervention.
The attack on Pearl Harbor served as a turning point, dramatically shifting public opinion. Overnight, isolationism was replaced by a unified determination to join the Allied forces and defeat the Axis powers. The attack galvanized the nation and propelled the United States into World War II.
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