FDR and the Road to Pearl Harbor

“Remember Pearl Harbor!” That was the rallying cry for the American people during the Second World War. It is eighty years since the United States was attacked on December 7, 1941—“a date which will live in infamy,” in the memorable words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The American people, government, and armed forces suddenly found themselves caught up in a desperate global struggle from which there could be no turning back. The ordeal of waging a world war would transform the United States into a global superpower. From that day to the present, American power and purpose have played a leading role in world politics.

In this special lecture, FPRI’s John Maurer will examine the grand strategy of President Roosevelt as he prepared America for the coming trial of strength and will follow the steps taken by both the United States and Japan that led to war on that fateful day eighty years ago.