History Review Day 2

The US Declares War

• Date of Declaration: December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) asks Congress for a declaration of war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

  • One holdout in Congress: A congresswoman from Minnesota or Michigan voted against going to war.

  • Support: The other 433 senators and representatives supported the declaration.

• FDR's Statement: FDR referred to December 7, 1941 as "a date which will live in infamy."

• Declaration Against Germany: December 11, 1941, the US declares war on Germany.

Importance of US Entry into the War

• The United States' entry into WWII shifted the dynamics significantly.

  • Winston Churchill's Reaction: The Prime Minister of Great Britain, Churchill, expressed joy at US involvement as it allowed for substantial military support, replacing the earlier lease of equipment without troop support.

  • Geographical Context: There were only 20 miles between Hitler's ambitions and Britain, highlighting the urgency for US assistance.

Context Prior to US Involvement

• Germany's Early Aggression:

  • Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939.

  • Great Britain declared war against Germany on September 3, 1939.

  • The period until May 1940 was known as the "Phony War," as little active combat occurred.

  • By June 1940, Germany had successfully invaded and conquered France, including Paris.

• Battle of Britain & Russian Campaign: After failing to invade Britain, Hitler turned his sights on the Soviet Union, breaking his non-aggression pact with Stalin, leading to a complex alliance against Hitler.

Japan's Strategic Objectives

• Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor:

  • Aimed to neutralize the US Pacific Fleet, focusing on sinking key aircraft carriers: the Hornet, Saratoga, and Enterprise.

  • Results: Two battleships were sunk; six battleships were damaged but later refloated.

• Subsequent Japanese Strategy: Immediately aimed for Midway Island as a strategic target for further expansion.

The Battle of Midway

• Significance: Regarded as one of the greatest naval battles, primarily fought via aircraft from carriers.

  • Importance of Aircraft Carriers: Essential for launching and landing planes in the vast ocean.

• Historical Context: Midway Island was acquired through the purchase of Alaska, often referred to as "Seward's Folly."

  • Geographical Location: Midway Island is situated midway between Hawaii and Japan.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Midway served as a resupply and refueling base for naval forces in the Pacific.

  • Control of Midway was critical for both the US and Japan.

Codebreaking and Intelligence

• American Intelligence Operations: US code-breakers suspected a Japanese invasion of Midway based on intercepted communications.

  • A signal indicating difficulties with water purification condensers at Midway signified the island's importance and that the Japanese were planning an invasion.

• The Trap: The US planned an ambush against the Japanese fleet at Midway knowing their potential strategies.

US Military Strategy Post-Pearl Harbor

• Island Hopping: US military strategy was termed "island hopping," moving from one island to another in the Pacific.

• Philippines Invasion: Japan first targeted the Philippines after Pearl Harbor, capturing American soldiers and committing atrocities during the Bataan Death March.

• General Douglas MacArthur's Role:

  • He was ordered to leave the Philippines, famously declaring, "I shall return," emphasizing his commitment to retake the islands.

Outcome of the Battle of Midway

• US Carriers: The US carried out their ambush successfully, intercepting the Japanese plans.

  • Both sides never visually saw each other as the battle was fought entirely through air power from carriers.

• Japanese Fleet Losses: Four out of six Japanese carriers that participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor were sunk in the Battle of Midway.

  • Nagumo's Mistakes: The commander, Nagumo, made strategic errors similar to those made during Pearl Harbor, contributing to Japan's defeat at Midway.