• Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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    7 months ago

    Even though I am an American, my primary school education is from a school for British expats so my WWII knowledge is mostly European focused. What was the beef between the US and Japan that led to the bombing of Pearl Harbor?

      • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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        7 months ago

        According to Google’s new AI:

        The attack on Pearl Harbor wasn’t caused by a single disagreement, but rather a buildup of tensions between the United States and Japan for decades. Here are some key points:

        • Competing Interests in Asia: Both countries wanted access to resources and markets in China and Southeast Asia [National WWII Museum]. This led to friction as Japan invaded Manchuria and later most of China.
        • U.S. Opposition to Japanese Aggression: The U.S. disapproved of Japan’s military expansion and imposed economic sanctions, including an oil embargo, to pressure them to withdraw [Asia for Educators].
        • Resource Scarcity for Japan: Japan needed oil and other resources to fuel its war machine. The embargo threatened to cripple their military [Imperial War Museums].
        • Failed Negotiations: Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Japan broke down as neither side was willing to concede [National WWII Museum].

        Japan’s leaders hoped a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and force them to negotiate a peace that allowed Japan to continue its expansion. Their gamble backfired, uniting the U.S. in anger and leading to America’s entry into World War II.

      • Soggy@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        I thought it was copper? Ah, looks like both were factors. And we wanted them to leave all their neighbors alone.

          • Soggy@lemmy.world
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            7 months ago

            Oh I’m not going to say that pre-WW2 America was benevolent or anything like that. We bought Guam and the Philippines from Spain and were perfectly happy for France to have Vietnam. It’s a good clarification though, thanks.

      • Gabu@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        Which was a correct assessment - the US is, was and will always be led by traitorous bastards.

        • PugJesus@lemmy.worldM
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          7 months ago

          Which was a correct assessment - the US is, was and will always be led by traitorous bastards.

          Jesus Christ. Please read up on the prelude to WW2 before embarassing yourself any further.

          • Gabu@lemmy.world
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            7 months ago

            Please, read a history book based on facts instead of American propaganda. You probably also believe the US are saviors who brought down Germany.