United States Enters World War II
The entry of the United States into World War II was a pivotal moment in global history, marked by a rapid and decisive response following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, describing the attack and urging for a declaration of war against Japan. This speech resonated deeply with the American public, who listened intently as the nation grappled with the implications of the conflict. Congress swiftly passed the war resolution, with the Senate approving it just 30 minutes after Roosevelt's address. By 4:10 PM, the declaration was signed into law. Shortly thereafter, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, prompting a reciprocal declaration from the U.S. on December 11. This series of events marked the United States' formal entry into the war, aligning it with the Allied nations, including the British, French, and Soviets, in their fight against the Axis powers. The ramifications of this decision would profoundly influence the course of the war and the future of international relations.
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United States Enters World War II
United States Enters World War II
On December 8, 1941, the day after Japan's surprise attack on the United States naval installation at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, President Franklin D. Roosevelt went before a joint session of Congress at 12:30 P.M. to report the events of the attack and request a declaration of war against Japan. The nation held its breath as citizens everywhere listened to the president's words over the radio. Retiring to their separate chambers, the two houses of Congress acted with unprecedented speed. The Senate adopted the war resolution at 1:00 P.M. and the House of Representatives approved it only ten minutes later. The document was signed by the president at 4:10 P.M.
Germany and Italy, the European members of the Axis pact that Japan had formally joined the previous year, responded by declaring war on the United States on December 11. On that same day, the United States reciprocated by declaring war on them in turn. In so doing, the United States joined the British, French, Soviets, and other Allied nations in the monumental struggle of World War II .