Question

“day of infamy” by franklin delano roosevelt
part 1: reading
directions: read the passage below and choose the best answer to each question that follows. refer to the passage as often as necessary when answering the questions.
passage - franklin d roosevelts “day of infamy” speech. the public papers and addresses of franklin d. roosevelt, 1941 volume (new york: harper & brothers publishers, 1950): 514 - 515.
this passage is adapted from president franklin d. roosevelts address to the u.s. congress on december 8, 1941, the day after japan attacked pearl harbor in hawaii. in this historic speech, often called the “day of infamy” speech, roosevelt urges congress to declare war and emphasizes the strength and resolve of the american people.
to the congress of the united states:
yesterday, dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the united states of america was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of japan.
the united states was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the pacific.
indeed, one hour after japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in oahu, the japanese ambassador to the united states and his colleagues delivered to the secretary of state a formal reply to a recent american message. while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
it will be recorded that the distance of hawaii from japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. during the intervening time, the japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the united states by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
the attack yesterday on the hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to american naval and military forces.
which of the following pieces of text evidence from the speech best supports and demonstrates the claim that japans attack was premeditated?
a “the united states was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the pacific.”
b “no matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the american people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”
c “it will be recorded that the distance of hawaii from japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago.”
d “with confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us god.”

Explanation:

Option A shows the US was at peace and in conversation with Japan, but doesn't directly prove pre - meditation. Option B is about the American response to the pre - meditated invasion, not evidence of pre - meditation itself. Option C explicitly states that the distance between Hawaii and Japan makes it obvious the attack was deliberately planned many days or weeks ago, which is strong evidence of pre - meditation. Option D is about American confidence and determination, not evidence of Japan's pre - meditation.

Answer:

C. "It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago."