Japanese Emperor Letter
On December 7, 1941 Japan carried out an airstrike on the island of Oahu, in Pearl Harbor. As a result, the United States entered into World War II. Before reading the primary source you will be analyzing, go to the following website to hear the speech from President Roosevelt:
Roosevelt speech Dec. 8, 1941
TRANSCRIPT
“Yesterday, December 7th, 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 towards 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. 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 for the very life and safety of our nation. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God [applause]. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”
Download and read these primary sources:
For this assignment, you will be reading a letter from the President to the Emperor of Japan. It was dispatched Saturday afternoon, December 6, one day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and is the “conversation” the President is referring to in the above video/speech. Read this letter and then analyze it, using the questions below to form your paper:
Letter to Japanese Emperor
While reading, think like an historian:
When was this source created? If the source is not dated, can you use any contextual clues to make an educated guess?
Who created it? If no individual’s name is apparent, can you guess their position within society?
What was the original purpose of this source? Why was it created and what was its intent?
Who is the intended audience of the source? How does this influence the way information is presented?
Is there anyone, besides the author, who is represented in the source? What can you learn about them?
How has the meaning of the source changed over time?
How might a historian use this source as a piece of evidence? What research questions might it help to answer? What story might you tell using this source?
Include the following information in a 500-750 word paper:
Author’s purpose and message: How does he/she communicate that? Does he/she use facts, specific details, or emotionally charged words to get the message across?
Author’s argument: How does the author persuade the reader by his/her argument? Does he/she provide reliable information to persuade his/her audience?
Author’s background: Does his/her background influence what he/she says or how he/she says it? Does it tell you about the actions and/or beliefs of the upper class or of ordinary people? Whose perspective is this primary source written from?
Historical questions: Can any be answered from this primary source? Which historical questions cannot be answered from this primary source?
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