REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
Why Did Japan Attack?
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bomber planes dotted the skies above Pearl Harbor. Military personnel and civilians in Honolulu, Hawaii, were unprepared for a military attack, and countless people lost their lives. We often learn about the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, however, many people don’t know the details about why Japan attacked the island. Here is a brief account of the events leading up to December 7, 1941 and an explanation of why the military strike occurred in the first place. Beginning in the 1930s The Great Depression was an international phenomenon. During this time, Japan tried to fix its economic problems by expanding into China and invading Manchuria, where they maintained control until 1945. The League of Nations condemned this invasion, and the Japanese Empire withdrew from the League to show their disapproval. Then, in 1937, Japanese forces captured Nanjing, the capital of the Chinese Nationalist political party at the time. Shortly thereafter, the Japanese military executed large numbers of people for more than a month and a half. This event was so horrific that historians later dubbed it the “Nanjing Massacre.” The United States disapproved of the horrors in Nanjing and began enacting economic sanctions on the Empire, including trade embargoes on exports such as oil and metal. The U.S. also started financially supporting the Chinese Nationalist party during this time.
These sanctions, combined with the aid to the Chinese Nationalist party, pushed Japan, in 1940 to sign the Tripartite Pact, an agreement to join Germany and Italy as a member of the Axis powers. Attempting Negotiation The United States and Japan negotiated for months, hoping the embargoes would stop Japan from continuing its invasion of China. Unfortunately, Japan stayed firm in its decision to expand and partner with fascist leaders. Controlling the Pacific The Japanese Empire needed to defend its spot as a world power despite the disruption to its economy. So its leaders decided to try expanding once again — this time to the East. Pearl Harbor functioned as fairly new military bases at the time, with relatively few defenses. Japan saw this as an opportunity to attack (and hopefully destroy) American military forces stationed there so they could invade other targets in the South Pacific without intervention. This desire to establish their country’s power amid economic hardship eventually drove Japan to attack Pearl Harbor. This December, as we remember the ‘Day that will live in Infamy,’ we need to recognize the complex history which led to such devastation and learn from it. Please take a moment to honor all those who have died or were injured while serving the United States and fighting for our freedom.
Train Your
BRAIN!
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
INGREDIENTS
• 6 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into large chunks
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced • 1 sprig rosemary • 15-oz can diced tomatoes plus liquid • 1/2 cup water • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas • Milk, to desired consistency
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, sliced • 1 tbsp flour
• 2 large carrots, cut into rounds • 1/2 cauliflower, broken into florets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a pot, boil potatoes until tender. 2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and rosemary and stir until softened. 3. Pour tomatoes into mix and add water. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove lid and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and simmer. 4. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in milk to desired consistency. 5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spoon hot vegetable mix into pie dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until top is golden brown.
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