AboutTom Expertise While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
jghyt writes on 2007-06-19 00:15:12
What else could they do? The US refused to accept the ludicrous Japanese negotiating terms (they offered to withdraw, but in phases - over 20 years!). There were no other sources of oil that they could turn to. There was no other alternative to oil (their fledgling program to turn coal into oil was unable to help notably).
So they chose war, and Pearl Harbor was the result. My father was there that day, by the way.
TLW writes on 2008-04-18 04:53:40
Sept 1940 Japan opened negotiations (demands) in Batavia Dutch East Indies for dramatic increase in supplies of oil eventually requesting over 80% of the regions total production. Shortly after the breakdown in negations (offers of approx 40% of total oil production) and Germany occupying the Netherlands the “request” of the Axis partner was perceived as a demand and when refused the provisional government expected a declaration of war by Japan.
Instead, days later, Japan demanded and received air and naval bases from Vichy controlled Southern French Indochina. Bases were being established around the strategic oil reserves and British strong hold of Singapore.
Four days later President Roosevelt announced the Oil embargo, including a freeze of all bank transfers. Great Britain followed with the same measures the next day and on July 26th, the Dutch government in exile in London joined the embargo.
The following Monday, July 28th, 1941, authorities in Batavia decreed a stop of all trade and payments to Japan. Two Japanese tankers, just loaded, were allowed to leave but a third entering the port was sent away empty.
From this series of events it can be held that the US Oil Embargo enacted against Japan was a reaction in defense to the beginning of Japanese expansion into the South Pacific Rim of natural resources necessary to continue not only a war with China but in support of its obligations as an Axis partner and creation of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
