Pearl Harbor and the Coming of the Pacific War: A Brief History With Documents and Essays (Bedford Series in History and Culture)

Assembles some 30 primary documents, including proposals, memoranda, decrypted messages, and imperial conference reports, presenting diplomatic exchanges from both American and Japanese perspectives to determine how and why the US and Japan went to war in 1941. A detailed introduction provides background on Japanese aggression in China and Southeast Asia during the 1930s and economic unrest and isolationism in the US. Readings add an interpretive dimension, placing Pearl Harbor in global context. Essays from the perspectives of various countries involved explain how countries applied pressure, offered assistance, and affected negotiations. Includes b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)