>>46016954>instead of attacking America.The japanese hand was forced
America was doing shit tons of fuckery without actually declaring war such as 100% oil embargos and sanctioning any country that gave japan a drop
The navy wanted to do a mad-dash to the Dutch East Indies for oil but the American controlled Philippines was in the way.
They were worried that if they didn't get the jump on America first that America would eventually Cut their supply lines with the Philippines at the worst possible time. So japan decided to choose the time on their own terms.
And if you put your /pol/ tinfoil on FDR knew this was coming which is why the Aircraft carriers went on an unscheduled training mission on pearl harbor day at just the right time 