FDR ASKS CONGRESS FOR DECLARATION OF WAR ON JAPAN
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 8, 1941, the day after an attack on the United States naval base in Hawaii, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked the Congress of the United States to approve a war declaration* on the Empire of Japan.
The President spoke at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time to a joint session of Congress.
FDR began his address with these words...
"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 President concluded by saying...
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. With confidence in our armed forces- with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that...a state of war has existed between the United States and (Japan)."
Both houses approved the war declaration. The tally was 82-0 in the Senate and 388-1 in the HR. The only NO vote in either body was by Congresswoman Jeanette Rankin**. The President signed the war declaration at 4:10 p.m.
*Congressional Declaration of War on Japan (Dec 8, 1941)
JOINT RESOLUTION Declaring that a state of war exists between the Imperial Government of Japan and the Government and the people of the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same.
Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of the United States of America.
Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.
That the state of war between the United States and the Imperial Government of Japan which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Imperial Government of Japan and to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States.
Approved December 8, 1941, 4:10 p.m. E.S.T.
**Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was born in Missoula County, MT & graduated from the Universities of Montana & Washington. She was the 1st woman to hold high government office in the United States when elected to Congress representing her district in Montana.
SOURCES
"Congressional Declaration of War on Japan, December 8, 1941." U.S. Historical Documents, University of Oklahoma College of Law, https://www.law.ou.edu/ushistory/japwar.shtml
"President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'Day of Infamy' Speech," National Archives Foundation, www.archivesfoundation.org/
FDR's Address to Congress
