Japan's Desperate Gamble

The attack wasn't irrational. It was a calculated risk born from desperation:

• The US imposed an oil embargo on Japan in July 1941, cutting off most of its petroleum supply
• Without oil, Japan's military would grind to a halt within 18 months
• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto designed the attack despite doubting Japan could win a long war
• The plan was to destroy America's Pacific fleet and force a negotiated peace before US industry mobilized

The entire gamble depended on a knockout blow so devastating that Americans would choose peace over revenge.