On December 7, 1941, one of the most tragic tragedies in United States history occurred. The Japanese launched a surprise air attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After just two hours of bombing, more than 2,400 Americans were dead, 21 ships were sunk or damaged, and more than 188 American planes were destroyed (20th century history). The United States was completely shocked and disgusted. In response, they declared war on Japan. Between 1937 and 1941, the escalation of conflict between China and Japan influenced U.S. relations with both countries and ultimately helped push the United States toward full transition. large-scale war with Japan and Germany (History). In 1937, China and Japan went to war. Despite resistance from Chinese forces, Japan advanced further and further into China. The conflict has caused great suffering to the Chinese people. In December, Japanese troops captured the Chinese city of Nanking. In the month that followed, they massacred up to 300,000 Chinese civilians. The United States believed that it had a strong and special relationship with China and often acted as that nation's protector. However, by the 1930s, most Americans did not want the nation to become involved in foreign wars. President Franklin Roosevelt felt he could only protest Japan's actions. Additionally, Americans were more concerned about rising tensions in Europe. The famous dictators Adolf Hitler in Germany and Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union had come to power (Teacher). World War II had begun when, in September 1939, Germany and Russia attacked Poland and France and Britain declared war in return. President Roosevelt felt he had to act. In the summer of 1940, Roosevelt banned the sale of certain American products to Japan. At the same time, Congress is a...... middle of paper...... Port? Learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor Day, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Np, and Web. December 16, 2012.day.html> “PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN.” Harry Truman. Np, and Web. December 16, 2012..Rosenberg, Jennifer. “Attack on Pearl Harbor.” History1900s.Np, nd Web. December 15, 2012."Speech Analysis: Franklin Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Speech." Six minutes RSS. Np, and Web. December 16, 2012. “The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.” The World History Timeline. Np, and Web. December 16. 2012.