What was a primary motive for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

What was a primary motive for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

• A. To avenge past losses in the Pacific
• B. To gain natural resources in Southeast Asia
• C. To gain control of Europe
• D. To secure alliances with Britain

Answer: (B)

Japan acted in part to secure the resources it needed to continue a war far from home. The United States and other powers had embargoed oil and other supplies, cutting off Japan’s access to the materials necessary for its military and industrial needs. By striking Pearl Harbor, Japan hoped to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet long enough to seize resource-rich areas in Southeast Asia, where rubber, oil, and other raw materials were abundant. This move was aimed at sustaining Japan’s expansion and reducing the risk of American interference. That focus on obtaining natural resources in Southeast Asia is why this option is the best answer. Avenge past losses, gaining control of Europe, or forging alliances with Britain do not align with the strategic goal Japan pursued in that moment.

Japan acted in part to secure the resources it needed to continue a war far from home. The United States and other powers had embargoed oil and other supplies, cutting off Japan’s access to the materials necessary for its military and industrial needs. By striking Pearl Harbor, Japan hoped to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet long enough to seize resource-rich areas in Southeast Asia, where rubber, oil, and other raw materials were abundant. This move was aimed at sustaining Japan’s expansion and reducing the risk of American interference.

That focus on obtaining natural resources in Southeast Asia is why this option is the best answer. Avenge past losses, gaining control of Europe, or forging alliances with Britain do not align with the strategic goal Japan pursued in that moment.