Okay, let me first start by saying I did NOT finish this book. I barely started the second chapter when I had to put it down. The title should really say "The Truth about FDR and Pearl Harbor according to Robert Stinnett." Stinnett makes it clear in the foreward that he blames FDR for blatantly provoking Japan into attacking Pearl Harbor and knew ahead of time without question the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Other authors of books I have read on this subject manage to stay objective and state the facts without a certain bias. Stinnett is not one of these. From the beginning, he sets out stating FDR is guilty and presents the facts, skewed as they are, to prove FDR's perfidy.
Stinnett ignores the fact that the U.S. was critical of Japan's involvement in China and had made numerous attempts to defuse the situation. As last resorts, U.S. began to cut off trade to Japan, decreasing and then stopping shipments of oil and metal. This made a huge impact on Japan and they felt they had no choice to retaliate.
FDR and his staff were certain this would goad the Japanese into an act of aggression but stood their ground. They expected an attack but thought it would be the Philippines or Guam.
Stinnett's own soapbox and personal vendetta are clear in his writing and wants to do anything, including leaving out certain details, to force the reader into believing him.
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