Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Infamy Speech
December 8, 1941
"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
Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to
the
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. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have
been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Read this line from the text:
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.
What is the most likely meaning of the word maintenance, based on your reading of this text?
(5 points)
Repairs
Continuation
Destruction -
Loss