The Causes of the Attack on Pearl Harbor - Neutrality to War

LESSON PLANS for this episode:
https://www.history4humans.com/products/the-attack-on-pearl-harbor-lesson

The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on America's Navy on December 7, 1941, was caused by years of rising tensions. Rising tensions between Japan and America over Japanese expansion and the failure of sanctions when America cut off access to oil to Japan led to the surprise assault on America's Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor Hawaii.

Though World War II had begun years earlier, America was committed to neutrality despite Hitler defeating of democratic forces in Europe except Britain. While President Roosevelt tried to extend support and push Americans to accept the responsibility of standing against the fascist powers that led to the Lend Lease Act, they were also steeped in negotiations with Japan. Despite this, on the infamous date of December 7, 1941, Japan struck with sheer brutality on America's unsuspecting Navy.

Like all History For Humans episodes, this teaches students in a way they understand and actually learn- through story and with visual supports for diverse learners.

For teachers and homeschool parents, I have resources that go with this lesson that include interactive notesheets, a quick quiz, and an extension lesson that has students analyze primary sources, answer quick questions, and then write a letter to a loved as if they lived through the Dust Bowl and migrated to California. It's engaging, fosters critical thinking, and has built in supports to help ensure students are successful but still challenged. There are answer keys for everything.