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Japan was fully aware of the power the US had. An advantage in manpower and a strong manufacturing base. Japan did not plan to invade the US and force its surrender. The raid by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor was meant to give the Japanese a head start with a knock out blow to the US Pacific fleet. As in their war with Russia in 1905 where Japan made a surprise attack on Russia's Port Arthur, the sneak attack against the US was meant to deliver a stunning blow. The idea was that the US fleet would be unable to effectively challenge Japan and a war weary US would sue for peace thereby depart from East Asia. This would give Japan full reign over East Asia. The plan was flawed immediately as the major portion of the modern US naval fleet was out on maneuvers and remained intact.

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9y ago

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