Investigation PlanThe purpose of this investigation is to assess how the attack on Pearl Harbor was not a surprise to Roosevelt and the United States. The bulk of the evidence will focus on the events leading up to the attack, diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States and the resulting factors. The evidence will include eyewitness accounts and recently released top secret documents. Documents will be analyzed based on their value, origin, purpose and limitations in order to properly evaluate the evidence. The documents include a book containing top secret documents, letters and theories written by Robert Stinnett as well as evidence from the US Army Council. An analysis of these documents and a summary of the evidence will be used to draw a conclusion as to whether or not Pearl Harbor was a real surprise to the United States.Summary of the EvidenceBefore the attack on Pearl Harbor, tensions between the United States and Japan had begun to become more serious in the 1930s. When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, war was effectively underway. Japan continued to expand into China during the decade, while the United States began sending weapons and equipment to China to aid in the war. To make matters worse, Japan invaded French Indochina. However, relations were strained. In a move aimed at Japan, in 1939 the United States terminated the 1911 trade treaty with Japan. Beginning in July 1940, Roosevelt signed the Export Control Act. This law authorized the president to authorize or prohibit the export of defense equipment to the Empire of Japan. Under this law, exports of aviation fuels, heavy cast iron, and scrap steel were restricted. Effective October 16, Roosevelt imposed an embargo on...... right in the middle of paper...... first overt act and the United States would have the initiative to join the war. Roosevelt's goals (bringing the United States into the war) did not justify his deceptive means. World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Committee. Pearl Harbor: 50th Anniversary Commemorative Chronicle, “A Grateful Nation Remembers” 1941-1991. Washington: The Committee, 1991. Robert Higgs, “How US Economic Warfare Provoked Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor,” The Freeman 56 (May 2006): 36-37. “Day of Infamy” Speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 8, 1941; SEN 77A-H1, United States Senate Records; Record Group 46; National Archives. Morgenstern, George. The actual route to Pearl Harbor. in Barnes, ed. Perpetual war for perpetual peace. 322-23, 327-28.