Transcript of joint address to congress leading to a declaration of war against
japan (1941)
mr. vice president, and mr. speaker, and members of the senate and house of representatives
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 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. and while this reply
stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or ol
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 has 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. i regret
to tell you that 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 wake island. and this morning the japanese attacked midway island
japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the pacific area. the facts of yesterday and
today 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.
but always will our whole nation 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 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 agan endanger us!
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 unbounding determination of our people we will gain the inevitable
triumph-so us god.
i ask that the congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by japan on sunday, december 7. 1941.
a state of war has existed between the united states and the japanese empire
document caption:
us national archives & records administration
700 pennsylvania avenue nw. washington, dc 20408
document information:
the pearl harbor attack was an incredible military surprise. it devastated the u. s. pacific fleet. it killed or wounded
over 3.000 americans. this is the speech given by president franklin d. roosevelt to congress and the country.

1.) this document is a (n)
a. newspaper article
b. editorial
c. advertisement
d. presidential speech