Transcript of Message to Congress Requesting Declaration of War Against Japan

This is a transcript of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Message to Congress requesting a declaration of war against Japan. Roosevelt delivered the address to a Joint Session of Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. A White House stenographer transcribed the speech as it was delivered. Words that Roosevelt added to his speech are underlined. Words in parentheses were in his prepared text but were omitted during delivery. The transcript also notes where the audience applauded.