Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Infamy Speech

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his famous Infamy Speech to Congress, one day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous Infamy Speech to Congress one day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Thought to be one of the most famous American political speeches of the 20th Century, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Infamy” speech to Congress on December 8, 1941, was in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii the previous day by the Empire of Japan.

This famous speech, which would signal the United States’ involvement in World War II, would have a long-lasting effect. Within an hour after his short speech, Congress declared War.  It was heard by the largest audience in US radio history and pulled the nation together and away from their fear and dismay only hours previous.

The Day of Infamy Speech lasted a little over seven minutes and began at 12:30 pm Eastern, December 8, 1941, in front of a joint session of Congress.

Audio Transcribed:

“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate, of the House of Representatives. Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The Day of Infamy Address

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward maintaining peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered a formal reply to a recent American message to our Secretary of State. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States with false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to our nation’s very life and safety.

Pearl Harbor naval base and U.S.S. Shaw after the attack, Dec 7, 1941.

Pearl Harbor naval base and U.S.S. Shaw after the attack, Dec 7, 1941.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But, always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

~~~~

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the declaration of war against Japan on December 8, 1941.

Japan had declared war on the United States and the British Empire for what they perceived as disruptive actions against their foreign policy.  The U.S. imposed an oil embargo on Japan in August of 1941 due to Japan’s invasion of a large part of East Asia.

Roosevelt’s speech achieved its desired effect; a unified response and resolve from the American People.

Today the people and Government of Japan are close allies with the United States and have lived in peace since the end of World War II.

Compiled and edited by Dave Alexander/Legends of America, updated January 2023.

Also See:

President Franklin Roosevelt

President Roosevelt’s New Deal

United States Presidents

U.S. Presidents Photo Gallery