The USS California after being struck by a torpedo and a bomb during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
American forces, caught by surprise, were unable to offer much of a fight. Japanese losses were very low.
There was so much destruction at Pearl Harbor that officials in Washington did not immediately reveal the full details to the public. They were afraid that Americans might panic if they learned the truth about the loss of so much military power.
The following day, President Franklin Roosevelt went to Congress to ask for a declaration of war against Japan.
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT: “Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
"Yesterday, December seventh, nineteen forty-one -- 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. 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 …
"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…
"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 …
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25