Franklin delano roosevelt's infamy speech
december 8, 1941

"yesterday, december 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the united states of america was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of japan.

the united states was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the pacific. indeed, one hour after japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in oahu, the japanese ambassador to the united states and his colleague delivered to the secretary of state a formal reply to a recent american message. while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

it will be recorded that the distance of hawaii from japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. during the intervening time the japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the united states by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

the attack yesterday on the hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to american naval and military forces. very many american lives have been lost. in addition american ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between san francisco and honolulu.

the speaker begins by
a)showing his interest in further peace talks
b)expressing sympathy for the japanese people
c)predicting the future of the war efforts
d)describing japan’s betrayal