Why is the president asking Congress for a Declaration
of War?
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive
extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of
yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United
States have already formed their opinions and well
understand the implications to the very life and safety of
our Nation. . . . I ask that the Congress declare that since
the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on
Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between
the United States and the Japanese Empire
Japan attacked China, and that action threatened
our nation
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and threatened the life
and safety of our nation
Japan and the United States were already at war,
so Congress needed to approve it.
Japan was attacked by the United States, so now
Roosevelt needed to agree to war