Short History Of... Pearl Harbor, Part 3 of 3
May 1, 2022
Join Professor Phillips O’Brien, a World War II expert, Dr. Takuma Melber, a Japanese-German scholar, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Twomey as they dissect the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack. They delve into the immediate consequences for Japanese-Americans facing internment, and the complex blame game engulfing military leaders. The discussion highlights the tragic irony of loyal Japanese-American soldiers fighting for a country that unjustly discriminated against their families, illuminating the enduring impact of wartime paranoia and resilience.
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Roosevelt's Early Political Loss
- In 1920, a young Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for vice president on an internationalist platform.
- He lost in a landslide to the "America First" Republicans, learning a key political lesson.
Roosevelt's Foreign Policy
- Despite his internationalist leanings, Roosevelt remained cautious in foreign policy after his 1920 defeat.
- He viewed Germany as a greater threat than Japan, fearing a Nazi-dominated Europe.
Pearl Harbor's Impact on Public Opinion
- Though Americans initially favored isolationism, Pearl Harbor drastically shifted public opinion.
- The attack unified the nation against a common enemy and galvanized support for war.
