“.. leading up to World War II we cut off trade with Japan. That probably caused Japan to react angrily”
We reserve the right to cut off trade with whomever we choose. People shouldn’t have to fear getting attacked because someone becomes “angry”. That’s not a rational response.
What did business with Japan even look like in that day?
Oriental art objects... just about all?
I challenge you to go unarmed to a biker bar and shout deprecating remarks about bikers.
It's irrational not to consider the consequences when it comes to dealing with mobs and uncivilized despots. What is irrational is to forget your own concerns and your situation. Maybe there was no clear path for FDR, but in hindsight the Communists, Socialists, and Accommodationists turned out to be unconcerned with the consequences WRT the national interests of the United States.
Some history the Obama administration and GOP-E seem to be glossing over...
You are confusing "rational" with "moral". The Japanese response to the oil sanctions was immensely rational. Once the oil tap was shut, the Japanese Navy had 6 months of steaming, after that, nothing. Thus, the Japanese were presented with two options:
1. submit
2. secure the oil within 6 months.
They chose option #2.
The underlying point being that we forced their hand, and they chose a different course of action than we hoped (maybe, depending on your view of FDR). And THAT is Paul's point, and an excellent point at that.