2006-11-14 04:53:33 · 12 answers · asked by Ryan B 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
During WWII, the Japs knew the US military was bigger and badder then theirs. They tried to destroy the Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor to take the US Navy out of the equation to make the playing field more even. However, many of the Jap military leaders thought bombing the Pacific fleet was a bad idea. They thought of the bombing as simply awakening a sleeping giant. Turns out, they were right.
2006-11-14 05:05:26 · answer #1 · answered by Twister 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They wanted to turn all of southeast Asia into Japanese colonies. Since Russia, England, and France were too busy fighting Germany in Europe the US fleet at Pearl Harbor was the only military force that could prevent this. They expected the surprise attack would immobilize the US Navy until they had firmly established their control. They underestimated our ability to recover.
2006-11-14 13:05:46 · answer #2 · answered by Knowledge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Resouces...Oil embargo by the US...they needed oil so had to take out the Dutch East Indies before their economy and military ran out of gas in China.
2. Stupidity...Thought they could force the USA to negotiate a peace after they consolidated their gains in the Pacific thinking that the USA would give up after a couple of soldiers died...and that Germany would take out Great Britain and USSR.
3. Bad Government Decisions...It was run by the military so what do you expect, but look at them now, maybe the war wasn't such a bad idea after all.
4. Strategic Goals...Knew that they would never win a real war so they didn't invade it with troops and take over Hawaii (which would really piss off the USA), but a quick surgical strike could wipe out the entire US Pacific Fleet giving them a few years free rein in the Pacific (see Point 1 & 2) and a better bargaining position.
5. All a secret government plot by the president to get USA into the war and secure re-election.
2006-11-14 13:29:01 · answer #3 · answered by warmonger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Japan bombed Pearl. In hopes of ridding the US Navy of the Aircraft Carrier force. Fortunately our carriers were not there. But, the damage was done. Battleships crippled. Airplanes destroyed.
The Japanese plan of removing the main Naval threat, the Carriers would have been crushing if they could have succeeded. But, pay back is sweet..Can we say Midway.
2006-11-14 13:01:39 · answer #4 · answered by devilduck74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Japanese wanted to temporarily cripple the United States Navy in order to buy time to invade Pacific Islands for resources they were in need of. Admiral Yamamoto knew this tactic would be unsuccessful in the long run due to United States industrial might and said such to the Japanese high command, but was ordered to procede with the attack anyway.
2006-11-14 13:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by Bryan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It had to do with trade and treaty issues. Do a google search and see what you can find on the economic reasons. They didn't cross an ocean to bomb us just 'cause they felt like it. In the end, it's always about the money, isn't it?
Sue
2006-11-14 13:01:43 · answer #6 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because that was were the U.S. ships were. If they bombed the movie theater down the street other countries would look at them funny.
B
2006-11-14 13:07:12 · answer #7 · answered by Bacchus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That was Home base for the US pacific fleet. They wanted to go to California right after but did not.
2006-11-14 13:13:46 · answer #8 · answered by SweetDeath! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
easy. the US was the main enemy, by far, for the domination of the Pacific and Asia. so it was a very logical act.
2006-11-14 14:02:54 · answer #9 · answered by Ploum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they could, the same reason a dog licks himself.
2006-11-14 12:59:14 · answer #10 · answered by techno84723 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋