Question

how did the attack on pearl harbor cause the US to abandon its neutral position on the war between the allies and axis powers?

Answer 1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consequences_of_the_attack_on_Pearl_Harbor

Answer 2

Do you have options?? Here are some explanations.

-The United States was in anger from the surprise attack from the Japanese on Pearl Harbor. They responded by preparing for war. The attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor induced the U. S. to declare war against Japan.

-The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 as a preemptive strike against the United States. The attack was supposed to be three waves of Japanese planes, but only two were sent out because the attack appeared to be very effective. This attack was intended to wipe out a large portion of the United State's navy, yet luckily for America, the aircraft carriers were not in Pearl Harbor on December 7th. Because of this America was able to recover more quickly than the Japanese anticipated when fighting in the Pacific Theater. Therefore, some consider the preemptive strike Japan's biggest mistake.

-Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was neutral and had no part in the combat of the war. When Japan attacked without declaring war against America, they were furious. When the lend-lease act came into effect, the United States could lend equipment to allies that were going to use them against the axis powers, which was Japan.

-The mindset of America: Japan did not follow "proper" conduct and did not declare war on the United States before attacking. In result the people of America were outraged by what they considered an unprovoked attack. After Pearl Harbor, there was an increase in conscription to the army in preparation for war with Japan. Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidential Address to Congress on December 8, 1941 was a response to the attack claiming that Pearl Harbor was a "date which will live in infamy" which only fueled American thirst for revenge. Later on December 8th, war was declared on Japan with no regard to peace negotiations.