In the US, it is commonly held that the events of December 7, 1941, the day that will live in infamy, changed the world forever by forcing a reluctant America—the champion of Democracy for all peoples—to abandon its isolationist past and enter the world stage as a selfless, moderating influence in a world of corrupt empires and dictatorships. This is predominantly a right-wing fairy tale, though it is accepted as gospel by those whose knowledge of history does not go beyond the mandatory public school curriculum, and is given lip-service by cable talking-heads, most successful politicians of all stripes, and other obfuscating simplifiers whose livelihood depends on appealing to the lowest common denominator.

The problem with this ideological construct is the unfortunate effect such history has on current debates concerning war, peace, climate, etc. The fact is that one can only avoid repeating the mistakes of the past by first recognizing the mistakes that were made and learning the appropriate lessons. The ultra-nationalist cowboy ideology of American Exceptualism does not accept the possibility that a righteous America has ever made any errors whatsoever. This sort of thinking leads to repeating such mistakes as, for example, involving ourselves in supporting corrupt regimes engaged in intractable civil wars halfway across the globe. Vietnam becomes Afghanistan through ignorance born of one-dimensional history.

There is another view—commonly held by those whose incomplete public-school education has been supplemented by the unbalanced reading of expose journalism, spurious web sites, and cable documentaries—expressing the view that America is a Great Satan flogging the world with the Almighty Dollar and forcing such things as Democracy and Christian Values on the helpless poor of the earth. Another partial fairy tale, of course, but quite handy as a rationale for anti-Americanism, both internal and external.

The problem with this America Last approach is that it figuratively binds the hands of the giant at a time when his strength and leadership is sorely needed. I personally find a weak and vacillating American foreign policy almost as repulsive as the cowboy foreign policy, but neither extreme is healthy for the US or the rest of the world. Balanced history is essential for the effective foreign policy necessary for the advancement of our collective civilization.

Not only are such idealized and polarized views false history, but they overlook the real story, an epic tale of human exploration and passion leading to the self-discovery and the uneven maturation of two nations quite representative of the human spirit. Of all those involved in this centuries-spanning narrative, perhaps Teddy Roosevelt is the most representative American in that he took that hill in Cuba AND mediated a peace resulting in the Treaty of Portsmouth with equal flair and enthusiasm. The Nobel Peace Prize decorating the same chest as medals for bravery in combat is, in my view, the very epitome of the human spirit.

On the other side, Admiral Yamamoto formulated a bold and daring plan of desperation with full knowledge that it would ultimately prove an exercise in futility. He was perfectly willing to sacrifice himself in an enterprise designed to preserve the dignity and save face for his people, who were inextricably engaged in an unequal competition. While one could fault the Japanese for being over-ambitious and virulently ethnocentric, their imagination and courage set a standard that is world-class. They were and are a nation of admirable over-achievers.

Should one be bound to either of the extreme views outlined above, one would be compelled to label one of these extraordinary human beings a hero and the other a villain. Either single judgment in either direction would be a disservice to two fine gentlemen and the peoples they represent, in my view. The allure of settling such questions by choosing between black and white ideological dogmas—being a ditto-head in either direction—is obvious. It is intellectually laziness of the most contemptable sort.

Sure, it is an almost impossible task, attempting to analyze all aspects of a historical event. But, I contend, this is the only real way that true understanding of any confusing subject can be gained. By delving into the ambiguities and complexities of the issues involved and formulating a nuanced view encompassing practical judgements and considerations, one can potentially achieve a depth of understanding surpassing the norm. In fact, I would go a step further and claim that without considering every pertinent factor involved, one can not come to actionable and worthwhile conclusions.

This is why the list of sources (below) for this compilation is so eclectic and extensive. They are all needed to illustrate one aspect or another of this complicated tale. Think of the attack on Pearl Harbor as the end result of a session with a Rubrics Cube, where each subsequent move effects all other factors. Three-dimensional thinking is required to determine how the end result occurred. Only by perusal of all historical dimensions can such a multi-dimensional picture emerge, with the end result being a true, functional grasp of the subject. This is what I have attempted with this project, though, as with all such complex subjects, it is not possible to identify and include all pertinent factors. While it is tempting to research perpetually until every possible factor is recorded, it is incumbent upon the researcher to recognize when a critical mass of information has been achieved and give the resultant reaction a healthy half-life in text and picture.

This compilation is a re-launch, with much added material and almost 600 images, many of which I guarantee you've not seen before. This time around, the meticulous Levi Bookin, Copy Editor, has lent his professional skill and aesthetic sensibilities to improving and enhancing the text and appearance of the end-product. My thanks and gratitude for his invaluable assistance can not be over-emphasized. Thanks, Levi.

So, you have a choice; you can either mortgage your home to acquire the funds to order all the material below from Amazon—and then quit your job to have time to read it all—or click the link (it is always good to start at the beginning) and read this distilled and concentrated version. -Copyright © 2008–2009 Wally O'Lepp