Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Speech
December 8, 1941
Yesterday, December 7, 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.
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.
Indeed, one hour
after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the
Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague
delivered to the Secretary of State a form reply to a recent
American message. While this reply stated that it seemed
useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it
contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
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. During the intervening time the Japanese
Government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States
by false statements and expressions of hope for continued
peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian
Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military
forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In
addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high
seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against
Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked
Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked
Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the
Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese
attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore,
undertaken a surprise offensive extending through- out the
Pacific area.
The facts of yesterday speak for themselves.
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. As Commander-in-Chief of
the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken
for our defense. Always will we remember the
character of the onslaught against 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. I believe 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
very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again.
Hostilities exist. There is no
blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our
interests are in grave danger. With confidence in
our armed forces -- with the unbounded determination of our
people -- we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the
unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December
seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States
and the Japanese Empire.
Congressional Declaration of War on Japan
December 8, 1941
JOINT RESOLUTION Declaring that a state of
war exists between the Imperial Government of Japan and the Government and the
people of the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same.
Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan
has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of
the United States of America: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
the state of war between the United States and the Imperial Government of Japan
which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared;
and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval
and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to
carry on war against the Imperial Government of Japan; and, to bring the
conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are
hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States.
Approved, December 8, 1941, 4:10 p.m.
E.S.T.
Congressional Declaration of War on Germany
December 11, 1941
Preliminary Message from President Roosevelt:
To the Congress of the United States:
On the morning of Dec. 11 the Government
of Germany, pursuing its course of world conquest, declared war against the
United States. The long-known and the long-expected has thus taken place. The
forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world now are moving toward this
hemisphere. Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty and
civilization. Delay invites great danger. Rapid and united effort by all of the
peoples of the world who are determined to remain free will insure a world
victory of the forces of justice and of righteousness over the forces of
savagery and of barbarism. Italy also has declared war against the United
States.
I therefore request the Congress to
recognize a state of war between the United States and Germany, and between the
United States and Italy.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The War Resolution
Declaring that a state of war exists
between the Government of Germany and the government and the people of the
United States and making provision to prosecute the same.
Whereas the Government of Germany has
formally declared war against the government and the people of the United States
of America:
Therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate
and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, that the state of war between the United States and the Government of
Germany which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally
declared; and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the
entire naval and military forces of the government to carry on war against the
Government of Germany; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination,
all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the
United States