Question

1. does the japanese perspective on pearl harbor change how you view the event? explain your answer- why did your own thinking change or not change. my thinking did/didnt change due to ___.

thinking didnt really change because due to the fact that the attack was an unprovoked surprise military strike that killed thousands of innocent people was just crazy even while understanding of the japanese government’s stated motivations.

1. select a quote from the text that supports your answer to question 3

the japanese perspective
japanese civilians were more likely to view the actions of pearl harbor as a justified reaction to the economic embargo(blocking trade or economic activity with another country) by western countries. not only were the japanese more aware of the embargo’s existence, but they were also more likely to view the action as the critical point of american hostility. in response to japan’s imperial expansion in the east, the united states (along with britain and the netherlands) froze japanese assets within america. this embargo included the majority of japan’s oil supply, backing the nation into a corner economically and militarily.
japanese schoolgirls celebrating the japanese victory over nanking. this is an example of the deep loyalty and love the japanese had for their country.
japanese civilian perspectives were shaped by their extreme nationalist culture, and use of militaristic imperialism to help their economy. japanese leadership viewed the west’s disapproval of japanese taking over other countries as hypocritical(judging someone else for something that you do), particularly because of america’s own occupation within asia(the philippines and guam). japanese national extremism arose from their complex ancient heritage, along with a culturally taught xenophobia (hatred of the foreign). this xenophobia manifested itself even in attitudes toward people in the asian territories occupied by japan. the horrific action of forcing over 200,000 women, 90% korean, into a military sanctioned prostitution program of “comfort women,” is just one example of xenophobic influence.

Explanation:

For question 3, the core reasoning is that the unprovoked, deadly nature of the Pearl Harbor attack overrides contextual justifications. For question 4, a quote is selected that directly references the Japanese government's stated motivation (the embargo) while aligning with the stance that the attack itself remains unjustifiable.

Answer:

1. My thinking didn't change due to the fact that the attack was an unprovoked surprise military strike that killed thousands of innocent people was just crazy even while understanding of the Japanese government's stated motivations.
2. "Japanese civilians were more likely to view the actions of Pearl Harbor as a justified reaction to the economic embargo(blocking trade or economic activity with another country) by western countries."