The Day After Pearl Harbor: A Historical Recap
The day after the Pearl Harbor attacks, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress. He declared, “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.”
After a brief, powerful speech, he asked Congress to formally recognize war between the U.S. and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1. The only dissenter? Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a devout pacifist. She had also cast a vote opposing our country’s entrance into WWI.
Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war against the United States, and the U.S. government responded in kind.
“Japan Strikes All Over Pacific”
The Boston Daily Globe printed that headline the day after Pearl Harbor sustained attacks by the Japanese.
Just before 8 a.m. Hawaii time on Sunday, December 7, 1941, bombs rained down on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.
“War struck suddenly and without warning from the sky and sea today at the Hawaiian Islands. Japanese bombs took a heavy toll in American lives.”
News of the attack spread like wildfire.
“Neighbors carried the news across the street and sat a while for solemn discussion of what it surely meant. As the details came of the bombings made without any announcement of a state of war, indignation rose in a grim reaction of anger and determination.”
A man on the streets of Boston told the newspaper, “Let’s get ’em, and get ’em quick. We’re really in it now!”
The front page the day after Pearl Harbor also described Americans anxiously waiting for President Franklin Roosevelt to address Congress.
“From the moment the first bulletin announcing the attack on American bases in the Hawaiian Islands by Japanese bombers went public, excitement in the Capital mounted until it reached fever heat,” the Globe wrote. “Throngs gathered in the vicinity of the White House and remained throughout the evening.”
The Infamy Speech: December 8, 1941
To the Congress of the United States
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 the 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 colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal 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 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. 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.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout 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 unbounding 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.