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.
what is roosevelts overall purpose in delivering this speech to congress?
a to criticize the american military leadership for not anticipating the attack.
b to urge congress to take immediate action and declare war against japan.
c to reassure the american people that peace can still be achieved through diplomacy.
d to outline a new strategy for engaging japan diplomatically without resorting to war.

Explanation:

Roosevelt, after the Pearl - Harbor attack, aimed to get Congress to declare war. He emphasized the unprovoked nature of Japan's attack and the strength of the American people. This was not about criticizing military leadership, nor about pursuing diplomacy for peace or a new diplomatic strategy.

Answer:

B. To urge Congress to take immediate action and declare war against Japan.