Did the citizens of US really back the declaration of war on Japanese Empire as it was implied by F.D. Roosevelt in his Pearl Harbor Speech?

Question

December 7th, 1941, was the date that was to live in infamy, as mentioned by F.D. Roosevelt in his Pearl Harbor speech. Overall, the speech was quite straightforward in its goal: assurance to the public that USA would take all measures to defend itself and make sure that such treachery would never occur again. However, he mentioned how the Americans had already formed their opinions. This creates curiosity as to how was the president so sure of the opinions of the people of USA just a day after the attack? Moreover, what was the reaction in public after the attacks and did the people support taking up arms?

Answer 1

Roosevelt may have been referring to the fact that there was a lingering isolationist sentiment among some in the American public. He may also have been really embarrassed over how the Japanese could launch a total surprise and nearly wreck our navy in Pearl Harbor.

In any case, the overwhelming public opinion was in favor of declaring war on Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. There was one dissenting vote in Congress, however. That was Rep. Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to congress. She was from Montana and a life-long pacifist.

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