Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941

The IA question: Using the documents and your own knowledge assess the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. in 1941.

Section B: Brief Summary of Evidence

Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941


Document A:
-Japan wants to force China to surrender and then eventually, have the Soviet Union surrender also
-Strong probability that their advancement to the South will enable Germany and Italy to defeat England
-Plan to strike a heavy blow at America's source of strategic materials
-They think they should be able to ring off Asia and conquer all those countries hostile to them one by one
-Plan to defeat America and England

Document B:
-Japanese man represents Japan
-Japan portrayed as small and very quick
-FDR and others reading newspaper titled 'Pacific Situation'
-Japan is circling them

Document C:
-The negotiations will be ended with America
-Japan does not want to give off the impression that the negotiations were broken off
-Plan on saying to America that Japan is awaiting instructions
-The United States is unbending, and making it impossible for Japan to establish negotiations

Document D:
-Japan's empire is standing at the point of destruction
-Japan plans on bringing the government and military even closer together
-Plan on making an all-out effort to achieve their war aims

Document E:
-United States attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan
-The Unites States believed they were at peace with Japan
-Japanese Ambassador states that the existing diplomatic negotiations would no longer be existing
-The attack was deliberately planned many days or weeks ago
-Japan had sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace
-War had existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire