On December 7th, 1941, Pearl Harbor was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Japanese naval and air forces. President FDR would then declare war on Japan and join WWII soon after. Do you think the United States would have entered World War II if the Japanese had not bombed Pearl Harbor? Please explain your thoughts! (4 points)
Many historians argue that the United States would have eventually entered World War II even if the Japanese had not bombed Pearl Harbor. The United States had already been providing material support to Allied forces and taking actions to deter Japanese aggression in the Pacific, such as placing an oil embargo on Japan. Additionally, there were increasing tensions between the US and Japan due to Japan's expansionist policies in Asia.
Furthermore, Germany declared war on the United States shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, leading to the US entering the war on multiple fronts. It is likely that the United States would have eventually been drawn into the conflict given the global nature of the war and the growing threat posed by Axis powers.
Overall, while the attack on Pearl Harbor was the catalyst for the US officially entering World War II, it is probable that the United States would have eventually joined the Allies in the fight against Axis powers even without the attack.