The Road To Pearl Harbor, 1919-1941 Season 1 Episode 5 The Great Depression And Foreign Affairs

The Road To Pearl Harbor is a historical documentary series that explores the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Season 1 episode 5, titled The Great Depression And Foreign Affairs, focuses on the impact of the Great Depression on foreign policy and relations between the United States and other countries.

The episode begins by highlighting the severity of the economic crisis that started in 1929 and how it affected the United States' ability to engage in foreign affairs. With the US economy in shambles and millions of Americans out of work, the government's priority was to fix domestic issues rather than international relations. This had a significant impact on US foreign policy, as the government was forced to prioritize its limited resources.

The documentary then explores how the Great Depression had ripple effects on other countries and their relationships with the United States. One notable example is the impact on Japan, which relied heavily on exports to the US. The economic downturn in America led to a decline in demand for Japanese goods, which in turn led to economic hardship in Japan. This contributed to rising militarism in Japan as the government sought to unite the country around a common cause.

The episode also delves into the political and diplomatic tensions between the United States and other countries during this period. One key event was the rise of fascism in Europe, which posed a threat to US interests. President Franklin D. Roosevelt responded by implementing a policy of neutrality, but this was challenged by events such as the Spanish Civil War and the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

The documentary then shifts its focus to the emerging conflict between Japan and the United States. As Japan's militarism continued to grow, tensions between the two countries escalated. The US government responded with economic sanctions, which only served to further anger Japan. The episode explores the key events that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the embargo on oil exports to Japan and the breakdown of negotiations between the two countries.

Throughout the episode, the documentary provides valuable historical context and expert analysis to help viewers better understand the complex issues and events that led up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. It highlights the challenges and limitations faced by the US government during the Great Depression and the difficult decisions they had to make in navigating the country's foreign affairs. Overall, The Road To Pearl Harbor offers a compelling and informative look into one of the most significant events of the 20th century.