Between the Wars: 1918-1941 (1978): S01E16 – War Comes to Pearl Harbour


Introduction

History Documentary hosted by Eric Sevareid, published by PBS in 1978.

Repackaged as “The Road to World War II” (2011) by Questar, Inc. and available on DVD in 2011. Also known as The Road to Pearl Harbour, 1919-1941 (alternative title, US).

Series explores the political and diplomatic events and crises between World War I and World War II.

Outline

Some of the great questions that arises from WWII is: Did FDR know in advance about Pearl Harbour? Was the Japanese attack unprovoked? FDR knew that he could not lead a divided nation into war, that the only was the United Stats could enter the war to aid Britain was to be attacked. To the end, the President created an “incident” in the Atlantic over German U-boat attack on the American destroyer, the USS Greer. It pursued the U-boat, reporting its position to the British. Meanwhile, after Japan’s invasion of the Dutch Indies, Roosevelt cut off the American oil supply and imposed a total embargo. On 05 November 1941 General Tojo sent two peace options to the United States with the ultimatum that if neither alternative was accepted Japan would declare war. The United States rejected both proposals. One morning later, on 07 December 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbour.

Between the Wars: 1918-1941 Series

You can find a full index and overview of Between the Wars: 1918-1941 here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Release Date: 05 April 1978.
  • Rating: Unknown.
  • Running Time: 30 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

Video Link(s)

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