Final answer:
The events that led to Congress declaring war on Japan on December 8, 1941, were the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the sinking of American warships by German submarines, the passage of the Export Control Act, and the agreement between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill on the Atlantic Charter.
Step-by-step explanation:
In chronological order, the events that led to Congress declaring war on Japan on December 8, 1941, were:
- The Japanese execute a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor
- German submarines sink the American warship Kearny and the American destroyer Reuben James
- Congress passes the Export Control Act
- President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill agree to the terms laid out in the Atlantic Charter
After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which destroyed a significant part of the U.S. Pacific fleet, Congress quickly passed the Export Control Act. This act enabled the United States to restrict exports to Japan, which put pressure on Japan's resources. Additionally, President Roosevelt sought support from Prime Minister Churchill, and their agreement on the Atlantic Charter further increased the likelihood of Congress declaring war on Japan.