WWII… our second world war where the Allies fought against the Axis. Countries fought day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. For three years (1939-1941), the US stayed neutral. They were out of the war although some people called the interventionists wanted to take part in the war and help the Allies. Because of this, the US turned away from neutrality to preparedness. They prepared a great army in case of surprise attacks from other countries.
What exactly happened in Pearl Harbor? Why did the Japanese attack the US? In October 1940, the Americans have gotten a hold of Japan’s plan to attack Southeast Asia. They were to conquer European colonies which could also damage the Philippine Islands and Guam who are both American controlled. Since Roosevelt cancelled oil shipments to Japan, their next plan was to attack European powers and the US by surprise. Admiral Yamamoto, one of Japan’s greatest strategists, wanted an attack to take place on the US fleet of Hawaii. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the battle started. 183 Japanese war planes destroyed the US fleet docked at Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, about 2300 died and 188 planes were damaged. Four days passed after the attack and the Americans luck just kept getting worse and worse. Hitler, the great chancellor of Germany, the fierce dictator, made war on the US. This event pushed President Franklin D. Roosevelt to force the Congress for a massive and quick army as soon as possible.
But why, why did Roosevelt have to wait for a devastating attack in order to enter World War II? Well, lots of American politicians wanted to be involved in the war but Roosevelt said that the only way they will go to war is if he gets re-elected. General Hugh Johnson once said that once he is re-elected into office he will drag the US into war. But still, Roosevelt had opportunities to be involved in the war. Japan and China were fighting and same with Germany and Great Britain. Also, Roosevelt couldn’t bring America in war because of its economy at that time. He prioritized the country’s economy first over war involvement. Trading with different countries like Russia, France, Germany, and Japan was enough to put the country in the same ranks as Germany and its allies. The only concern of America then was commercial rivalry against Germany and Japan in the European and Asian market.
Now, if the US stayed neutral for the whole war, which means none of Pearl Harbor happened, what would this country be? For sure, America will still be one of the richest countries in the world given its vast amounts of natural resources and advanced industrial knowledge. However, the US would not be as powerful and influential as it is in the today. This country would be the likes of the current impartial countries of Switzerland and Sweden, rich and economically prosperous but politically neutral. It could have been a peaceful America today only if this country avoided to get involved in World War II. There won’t be any terrorists interested to attack the US, no deployment of military personnel, and less casualties.
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