Infamy Speech facts for kids

Roosevelt delivers the speech to Congress. Behind him are Vice President Henry A. Wallace (left) and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. To the right, in uniform in front of Rayburn, is Roosevelt's son James, who escorted his father to the Capitol.

The Infamy Speech is a very famous speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the President of the United States at the time. He gave this speech to the United States Congress on December 8, 1941. This was just one day after the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The speech is called the "Infamy Speech" because of its most famous line: "a date which will live in infamy." It's also often called the "Pearl Harbor Speech". This speech was very important because it led to the United States joining World War II.

What Happened at Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is a large naval base in Hawaii, an island state of the United States. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on this base. Hundreds of Japanese planes attacked American warships and airfields.

The Surprise Attack

The attack happened without any warning or a declaration of war from Japan. Many American sailors and soldiers were still asleep when the attack began. The Japanese planes dropped bombs and fired torpedoes, causing huge damage.

Several battleships were sunk or badly damaged, including the USS Arizona. Many airplanes were destroyed on the ground. Sadly, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives, and many more were injured.

Why Was Pearl Harbor Attacked?

Before the attack, there had been growing tension between the United States and Japan. Japan was expanding its power in Asia and the Pacific. The U.S. had placed economic restrictions on Japan, especially limiting their access to oil.

Japan's leaders believed that a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would cripple the U.S. Navy. They hoped this would give them enough time to conquer more territory in Asia before the U.S. could recover and fight back.

President Roosevelt's Important Speech

The day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a special meeting of the U.S. Congress. The mood in the country was one of shock and anger. Roosevelt knew he needed to speak to the nation and ask Congress to take action.

Delivering the Message

On December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt stood before Congress. He began his speech with the powerful words: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

He spoke calmly but firmly, describing the attacks on Pearl Harbor and other U.S. and British territories. He highlighted that the attack was unprovoked and deceitful. He asked Congress to declare war on Japan.

What "Infamy" Means

The word "infamy" means being famous for something bad or evil. When Roosevelt said "a date which will live in infamy," he meant that December 7, 1941, would always be remembered as a day of great shame and dishonor because of Japan's surprise attack. This phrase quickly became famous and is still remembered today.

The United States Joins World War II

President Roosevelt's speech lasted only about seven minutes, but it had a huge impact. It clearly explained what had happened and why the U.S. needed to respond. The speech helped unite the American people.

A Nation United

After Roosevelt finished his speech, Congress quickly voted. There was almost complete agreement. Within hours, the United States officially declared war on Japan. This declaration marked the U.S. entry into World War II.

The attack on Pearl Harbor and Roosevelt's "Infamy Speech" changed the course of American history. They brought the United States fully into the global conflict, which eventually led to the Allied victory in World War II.

Images for kids

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  Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940

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  Roosevelt delivering the speech in the Congress

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  The wreckage of the USS Arizona ablaze after the attack

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  Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the declaration of war against Japan.

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  "Remember December 7!", by Allen Saalburg, poster issued in 1942 by the United States Office of War Information

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  "Avenge December 7!", poster issued in 1942 by the United States Office of War Information

See also

In Spanish: Discurso de la infamia para niños