Christina Reese
History 121H
Professor Howell
November 17 2015
Research Paper on Pearl Harbor
On December 7th , 1941, one of the worlds greatest attacks occurred right in our homeland. More than
3000 people lost their lives that day and many more were injured. This attack forced us into the second
world war against the axis powers. The Japanese had decided this would be the ultimate task to shove us
into this war. Pearl harbor, caused by the Japanese aircrafts was the beginning to a very bloody long
battle. Yet, why was this their major plan? What were Japans major reasons for attacking Pearl Harbor?
One key point made by many historians throughout the history of Pearl Harbor is that Japan decided
to adopt this plan in order to stop the interference of President FDR in trying to interfere with their
internal affairs of trying to invade China, Manchuria, and take over all of Asia. President Roosevelt
actually banned the trading rights of Japans oil, steel and iron to other countries, which immediately
affected their economy. Also due to this ban, all of Japans navy and military were heavily affected. “The
US placed an embargo on Japan by prohibiting exports of steel, scrap iron, and aviation fuel, due to
Japan's takeover of French Indochina.” (Akira Iryie 11) By doing this to Japan it directly began the plot
of revenge and terror they so caused in the attack. This animosity was used throughout their battles
against the United States. “The occupation of Indochina however, proved to be a fatal step that ultimately
led to the war with the United States.” (Akira Iryie 5) The Americans were determined to never allow
such power to fall into the Japanese hands.
Japan was trying and being successful in becoming the worlds strongest naval power. The United
States was also not going to let that happen due to the over taking Japan was trying to do in Asia. As a
fight back, Japan thought the only way to not let the United States defeat them, was to...