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Infamy Speech Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.
Yesterday, December 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 its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our 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. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the last sentence ”But always…against us…”?
(A) To implore Americans to recognize the gravity of the situation
(B) To paint a picture for a grim future
(C) To highlight the futility of diplomacy
(D) To warn against making unfound conclusions
(E) To defend the United States against the Japanese attack
2. In line 9, “commenced” most nearly means
(A) Initiated
(B) Stopped
(C) Announced
(D) Planned
(E) Halted
3. In line 41, Roosevelt’s self description as “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy” primarily serves to
(A) Qualify a claim
(B) Return to a previously mentioned notion
(C) Highlight a responsibility
(D) Negate a qualification
4. According to the passage, which of the following was not used in the Japanese attack
(A) Air based warfare
(B) Surprise assaults
(C) Torpedoes at sea
(D) Embassy bombings
(E) Broad based offensive
5. The repetition of “last night” in lines 29-33 primarily serves to
(A) List with suspense the concurrent nature of attacks
(B) Enumerate the locations attacked
(C) Bring attention to unexpected nature of the attacks
(C) Illustrate the deceptive nature of the attack
(E) Note a weakening presence in the Pacific
6. Select the lines that most directly indicate that deception involved in the day of infamy
(A) Lines 1-4
(B) Lines 15-18
(C) Lines 18-21
(D) Lines 12-15
(E) None of the above lines serve to directly indicate the deception involved in the day of infamy
7. The author’s tone can best be described as
(A) Offensive and Resilient
(B) Urgent and emphatic
(C) Symbolic and explanatory
(D) Rancorous and foreboding
(E) Even-tempered and Affable
8. In the context of the passage as a whole, paragraph 2 (lines 5-15) primarily serve to
(A) Note that the current situation was unexpected
(B) Provide a comprehensive history of diplomatic relations
(C) Present an issue within a historical context
(D) Begin the presentation of a chronology
(E) Illustrate a foreboding message
Answer Key
1. A
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. B