Option I. Situation Analysis
1) After reading the following documents on Pearl Harbor respond in writing to the following: Why were the defenders at Pearl Harbor caught by surprise? Who deserves the most blame for the errors? (Refer to evidence from specific documents!)
2) Isolationists and hostile critics in 1940–1941, and even after World War II, charged Franklin Roosevelt with deliberately and sometimes deceitfully manipulating events and public opinion so as to lead the United States into war. What factual basis, if any, is there for such a charge? Which of Roosevelt’s words and actions tend to refute it? (Refer to specific documents and events!!
1) In “United States Not to Japan November 26, 1941, the US seemed eager to establish good relations with Japan. However, in Japanese not to the United States December 7, 1941, the Japanese made it clear that “in the view of the attitude of the American Government it (Japan’s government) cannot but consider that it is impossible to reach an agreement through further negotiations. What surprised the defenders of the Pearl Harbor was that the attack happened the day the Japanese note was sent. Although the defenders were on the look out for an attack, they didn’t expect it that quickly. For example, General Marshall in “From: Gen Marshall To:alcon Date: 7 Dec.1941” issued a warning to all his troops about the Japanese ultimatum, but he didn’t sound extremely urgent because he didn’t suspect an attack that quick. I believe that the most immediate person to blame is. I believe that the General Marshall is the most immediate person to blame. The Director of Naval Intelligence notified him on December 1 that there seemed to be a massive Japanese force making its way along the islands in the Pacific. Yet, it was not until he received the Japanese note did he formally command his troops to be on full alert. Given the large Japanese fleet already deployed, General Marshall should’ve issued a warning to all troops, especially those on Pearl Harbor, on the day he received the message from the Director of Naval Intelligence.
2) The fact that America was given decently sufficient warning about a possible attack on the US before Pearl Harbor actually happened bolsters the claim that the US knew of the attack and let it happen, or else it would’ve required all troops to assemble themselves for a possible attack. Also, in “From: War Department, Washington to: Army Hq. Hawaii Date: 27 Nov. 1941”, the War Department clearly states its “desires that Japan commit the first overt act.” Although it follows up with a statement saying that “This policy should not, repeat not, be construed as restricting you to a course of action that might jeopardize your defense”, the fact of the matter is that the Pearl Harbor defense forced should have been forced to take more serious protocol. Also, in “II. Message from the President to the Emperor of Japan December 6”, FDR criticizes Japan for its military actions in Japan. On top of that, he also forced an embargo on the Japan, as did Britain. Japan took this as a huge insult in their responding letter and subsequently ended negotiations with the US. Yet, Roosevelt did try to present his ideas in a diplomatic manner. Also, the two countries did make an agreement on November 26, 1941, which outlined that the two countries would be peaceful to one another. The fact that Japan kept on instigating quarrels with its nearby nations prompted FDR to be more assertive in his letter. Thus, these actions seem to refute the claim.
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