Besides the “severe damage to american naval and military forces,(.)many american lifes have been lost”(ll. He underlines his intention by inforing the congress about the damage the attack has caused(ll.17-20.). Roosevelt wants to direct the congress’ attention to the fact that America was fooled by the Japanese government and wants to make them believe that Japan has to “pay” for this in a way. This leads to the conclusion that the “Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the Unitted States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.”(ll.
The distance between Japan and Hawaii makes it obvious that the attack must be planned days or even weeks ago. Japan has attacked the naval place Pearl Harbor, although America has been “in Peace with that nation”(l.5). Roosevelt begins his speech by giving a short but emotional overview about the situation: With this speech he tried to convince the congress to agree to Americas declaration of war. Roosevelt held a speech in front of the members of the senat and the house of represantatives. The day after the attack on Hawaii, the american president F. Short Analysis of „The Day of Infamy“- Speech by F. 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. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. I believe that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger 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. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. 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.Īs commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.Īnd this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces.
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. 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. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. 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.
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. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: “The day of infamy”- speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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