Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Pearl Harbor

A tragic day, December 7th, 1941, set the nation still. The attack of Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This sparked the United States involvement in Worl War II. In searching for articles about this historic day, I found one from the Los Angeles Times and one from the New York Times published on the following day, December 8th, 1941.
The first article entitled, Army Bombers Roar North, from the New York Times, talks about the United States getting ready to battle by flying up North. It explains that this is the first sign of war, at 5:25 a.m., that the planes are set off to fly North. The commander of the United States forced in the Far East, Lieut. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, placed the entire command at alert, the artice says. It explains the Great Britain and Netherland forces are also keeping their eyes open for further attacks. Lieut. Gen. Douglas MacArthur told the New York Times that it is a time to maintain self control and there is no need for panic.
The article was short, but in my opinion, still a little vague. There should be more details on the situation as our country is about to go to war. I can't help but feel the sources in thes articles are keeping their statements vague so that anything thry are planning can stay secretive. There were no quotes, only paraphrasing.
In the second article I examined, Attacks Precede War Declaration, from the Los Angeles Times, tells the nation that Japan has gone to war witht the United States and Great Britain. Japan announced it at 6 a.m. The article goes on about the information found about Japan's decision to attack and mode of attack the day after it happened.
This article is the same in length, but in my opinion more informative. It gives more details and not vague statements. In articles today, they are much longer with more details. Especially with something so big and historic. It is possible that it was difficult for the journalists to aquire this information do to the challenges of the time. Today, we have more access and easier access to gathering information and connecting with people.

The New York Times, Dec. 8, 1941, Army Bombers Roar North

The Los Angeles Times, Dec. 8, 1941, Attacks Precede War Declaration

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