Unsolved History Season 1 Episode 1 1. Myths of Pearl Harbor

Unsolved History is a television series that explores some of the most intriguing and controversial events in history that may still be shrouded in mystery. Season 1 episode 1, titled "Myths of Pearl Harbor," delves into the supposed myths surrounding one of the most significant events in U.S. history - the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Narrated by actor and director Edward Herrmann, the episode begins by highlighting the common narrative that surrounds the Pearl Harbor attack. It was a surprise attack by the Japanese that left the US military caught off guard and resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 people. However, the episode argues that there are many myths surrounding the attack that need to be dispelled.

To start, the episode delves into the intelligence failure that is often cited as the cause of the surprise attack. Despite widespread knowledge of Japan's aggression, the US military didn't seem to consider Pearl Harbor as a potential target. Unsolved History explores the possibility that this failure wasn't entirely due to negligence - but rather, there was a deeper, more sinister plot at play. US intelligence officials may have known about the potential of an attack and deliberately left Pearl Harbor vulnerable as an excuse to enter World War II. The show explores different pieces of evidence that may support this conspiracy theory.

Next, Unsolved History takes on the myth that Admiral Husband Kimmel, commander in chief of the US Pacific Fleet at the time of the attack, was solely to blame for the surprise. The episode argues that Kimmel was a scapegoat for the US government to deflect blame from themselves. Unsolved History explores some of the factors that contributed to Kimmel being left in the dark, including issues with communication and bureaucratic red tape. The show raises important questions about the fairness of Kimmel's eventual demotion and the long-lasting effects it had on his career and legacy.

Another myth that Unsolved History tackles is the idea that the Japanese were dishonorable for launching such a surprise attack. While the US saw it as a violation of the rules of war, the episode highlights that the Japanese naval strategists saw it as a necessary and strategic move to weaken the US Pacific Fleet. The show explores some of the Japanese's pre-war history and military tactics to shed light on why they may have made such a decision.

Throughout the episode, Unsolved History gives voice to different perspectives and takes a critical look at some of the commonly held beliefs surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack. It leaves the viewer with more questions than answers but encourages people to look beyond the popular narrative and consider other possibilities. The episode ends by emphasizing the importance of questioning history and the many different interpretations it can have.