[Wuli]

In re: “While no one can excuse Japan’s belligerence in those days, it is also true that our government provoked that country in various ways — freezing her assets in America; closing the Panama Canal to her shipping; progressively halting vital exports to Japan until we finally joined Britain in an all-out embargo; sending a hostile note to the Japanese ambassador implying military threats if Tokyo did not alter its Pacific policies; and on November 26th — just 11 days before the Japanese attack — delivering an ultimatum that demanded, as prerequisites to resumed trade, that Japan withdraw all troops from China and Indochina, and in effect abrogate her Tripartite Treaty with Germany and Italy.”

It is interesting how the author describes the U.S. actions as actuions that “provoked” Japan, while ignoring the totally reasonable argument that Imperial Japan’s actions in Asia provoked the western nations retaliatory actions.

[Leaning Right]

> It is interesting how the author describes the U.S. actions as actions that “provoked” Japan, while ignoring the totally reasonable argument that Imperial Japan’s actions in Asia provoked the western nations retaliatory actions. <

Excellent point. The horrific Japanese “Rape of Nanking” occurred in 1937. The United States did not impose sanctions until 1941.

The Japanese started the ball rolling.

[ETCM]

It is interesting how the author describes the U.S. actions as actions that “provoked” Japan, while ignoring the totally reasonable argument that Imperial Japan’s actions in Asia provoked the western nations retaliatory actions.

That's how such conspiracy theories work. Gloss over or ignore the events and logic that don't support your position. The author has written a few books that paint the past 100 years of US history as one giant conspiracy theory.

[dfwgator]

Actually it started with the Immigration Bill of 1924, which limited Asian immigration. Japan saw it as an insult. Plus they felt they were short-changed as a member of the Allies during WWI, and they felt they didn’t get their spoils.

[SteveH]

It is my non scholarly impression that the official u.s. foreign policy up to wwii was strict neutrality , modeled after Swiss neutrality, inspired by Washington’s farewell address. Japan did not officially attack the us until Pearl Harbor. After wwii the u.s. relinquished the policy of neutrality as failed, citing wwii as evidence of failure. If so, all I.s. Policy after wwii is premised upon lies.