Question

japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the pacific area. the facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. the people of the united states have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.... i ask that the congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by japan on sunday, december 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the united states and the japanese empire. —franklin d. roosevelt, 1941 what is the most likely reason roosevelt uses the phrase “unprovoked and dastardly” to characterize the attack on pearl harbor? to show the importance of supporting the allies in the war against germany to criticize the personality of the average japanese citizen to explain the effects of the attack on hawaii and its people to convince the american public that going to war is the honorable thing to do

Explanation:

• Option 1: The phrase is about Japan's attack, not Germany, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: The phrase is about the attack, not criticizing Japanese citizens, so this is incorrect.
• Option 3: The phrase focuses on the nature of the attack, not explaining effects on Hawaii, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: By describing the attack as "unprovoked and dastardly", Roosevelt is framing the attack as unjust, to persuade the public that going to war against Japan is morally right (honorable).

Answer:

D. to convince the American public that going to war is the honorable thing to do