Question
Paragraph Writing Sentence, you learnt in your reading, answer the following question in paragraph format (Topic Sentence.Explanation, Evidence , Concluding Sentence): Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?
Solution
4.7
(250 Votes)
Harmony
Master ยท Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, primarily due to its imperial ambitions in Asia and growing tensions with the United States. Japan sought to establish a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," essentially a Japanese-dominated economic and political bloc encompassing much of East and Southeast Asia. The U.S., however, opposed Japanese expansionism and imposed economic sanctions, including an oil embargo, which severely hampered Japan's war efforts in China. This embargo is cited in numerous historical accounts as the key factor pushing Japan towards a desperate gamble. The attack on Pearl Harbor was intended as a preemptive strike to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet, giving Japan time to consolidate its conquests before the U.S. could effectively respond. In essence, Japan believed a swift, decisive blow against the U.S. was necessary to achieve its regional dominance and escape the crippling effects of American sanctions.