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Franklin Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Address
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“December 7, 1941, a day which will live in infamy,” – President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1941
The 10 Best Presidential Speeches
No. 4: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Pearl Harbor Address/Declaration of War (1941)
Thoroughly tested by the Great Depression, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had proved to be a strong, unwavering leader in the face of the greatest economic struggle in American history. But, in 1941, nearly a year into the president’s third term, Roosevelt would shoulder the responsibility of stirring a nation to action once again when the Japanese attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Deceived by seemingly peaceful negotiations between the U.S. and Japan over the sale of oil, which was cut off in late 1940 when the Japanese occupied French Indochina, the American people would soon support joining the war after the sneak attack, despite being once adamant about isolating countries involved in World War II.
The Japanese attack would destroy 16 warships and kill more than 2,400 air and naval forces, in addition to Hawaiian civilians. The Japanese would also attack Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippine Islands, Wake Island and Midway Island.
On Dec. 8, 1941, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt would address the congress and the nation to ask for a declaration of war against the Japanese.
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.
Roosevelt also promised the American people that he would work to ensure no nation or force could ever deceive the United States again, ushering in a new era as a superpower for the entire world:
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.
For more info: The 10 Best Presidential Speeches
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