Model Essay: Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? (Sec 3/4 History)

Many students lose marks on this topic because they focus only on "aggression" and forget the "economics."

To get top marks, you need to argue how the 1941 Oil Embargo forced Japan into a corner.

I have attached a full Model Essay: Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? (Sec 3/4 History) pdf file below

You can use it for your revision! :)

WHY DID JAPAN ATTACK PEARL HARBOR? (10m)

PEEL Paragraph 1: To overcome the economic crisis

Point: One reason was to solve its economic problems caused by US trade tariffs.

Evidence: The United States was unhappy with Japan’s invasion of China and French IndoChina and responded by banning the sale of important materials such as steel, iron, and oil. As a result, Japan lost about 90% of its oil supply, which was essential for powering its ships, planes, and tanks.

Explanation: This put Japan in a desperate situation. Without oil, Japan could not continue fighting the war in China and faced the risk of military collapse and humiliation. Japanese leaders believed they had no choice but to expand into Southeast Asia to seize oil and other resources. However, to do this successfully, they first needed to deal with the United States.

Link: Therefore, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to remove the US as an obstacle so that they could obtain resources from Southeast Asia

PEEL Paragraph 2: To build the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

Point: Another reason Japan attacked Pearl Harbor was to build its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere by removing the main military threat in the Pacific.

Evidence: Japan planned to take over resource-rich areas in Southeast Asia such as Malaya and the Dutch East Indies. However, the US Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor was a powerful force that could stop Japan’s expansion.

Explanation: Many Japanese leaders believed Japan could not win a long war against the United States and therefore needed a quick, decisive strike. By attacking Pearl Harbor, they aimed to cripple the US Navy and buy time for themselves to conquer Southeast Asia.

Link: Therefore Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

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