Before_The_Attack.page

Pearl Harbor, A Day In History (cont.)

Before The Attack

The Japanese and Americans, at the time in which World War II had consumed Europe, were trying to resolve their own differences. Due to the Japanese neglect of the Open Door Policy enforced on China, and the signing of the Tripartite Act with Germany and Italy (two of America's rival nations). America had placed an oil embargo on Japan. At the time, oil was a key lifeline for Japan because of their booming industrial economy, and the country would not survive long without it. Without America placing an embargo such as this on the Japanese empire, Japan would have continued with their attempts of expanding its nation throughout the Pacific. The embargo was an attempt to maintain the balance that presided over the Pacific. America especially enjoyed such a balance, because it allowed them to retain the ability to trade in the Pacific.
The Japanese made several requests that the Americans lift the oil embargo, and allow them to try and overtake China. The Americans replied that they would lift the oil embargo, as long as Japan would agree to withdraw from their attempts on China.
Negotiations between the two countries were very unsteady. Neither power would give in to the requests of the other. War was surely inevitable.

The Japanese were very angered with the United States, and needed a form of retaliation against them. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto devised the plan for the attack on Pearl Harbor in January of 1941. Yamamoto had a few guidelines for his newly developed plan:
1) Surprise was crucial.
2) American aircraft carriers should be the primary targets.
3) U.S. aircrafts at Pearl Harbor must be destroyed to prevent ariel opposition.
4) All Japanese aircraft carriers available should be used.
5) All types of bombing should be used in the attack.
6) A strong fighter element should be included in the attack for air cover for the fleet.
7) Refueling at sea would be necessary.
8) And a daylight attack promised for best results, especially in the sunrise hours.

Before The Attack

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