[ex-snook]

"“It’s the shot that started World War II between the Americans and the Japanese,” "

What a crock. If it wasn't there, there would have been no shot. What did Roosevelt know and when did he know it?

[ErnBatavia]

What did Roosevelt know and when did he know it?

You have just unleashed a 300 post thread.

[M. T. Cicero II]

I have always maintained that FDR and his cabinet (and the Navy) knew that an attack was imminent, probably knew the date within a week or so. (Remember that the carriers were conveniently out of port.) FDR let it happen because he knew that this would incite the citizenry to support a war for which he had been preparing for about 7 years. FDR was no lightweight in the "brains" department. He was as clever and as crafty as they come - and so were the people he had working for him.

(As an aside, if you are ever near Hyde Park, NY, his mansion and library are really worth a visit!)

(Aside #2: I'm not a FDR supporter or a socialist. I just like history and historical places - so don't shoot me!)