The quote “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve” is widely attributed to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It is commonly believed to reflect his concerns about the consequences of Japan’s surprise attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Context of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a decisive moment in World War II. Japan launched a surprise military strike against the U.S. naval base, aiming to cripple the American Pacific Fleet and buy Japan time to solidify its imperial ambitions in the Pacific. While the attack was initially successful, it had significant long-term consequences for Japan. The United States, previously neutral in the conflict, declared war on Japan the following day, marking its entry into World War II.
The Origin of the Quote
The phrase “awakening a sleeping giant” is often associated with Yamamoto, as it suggests his belief that the U.S. had vast untapped military potential and industrial capacity that, once provoked, would lead to overwhelming retaliation. However, there is no definitive historical record or reliable documentation that confirms that Yamamoto actually spoke these exact words. The quote is believed to have been popularized in the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!, a dramatized account of the Pearl Harbor attack. The line was used in the film to convey the idea that Yamamoto, while supportive of Japan’s military ambitions, was apprehensive about the consequences of provoking the United States, especially considering its vast resources and industrial power.
Yamamoto’s Actual Views
Yamamoto was known for being a realist and a strategist. He was educated in the United States, where he studied at Harvard University and spoke fluent English. As a result, he understood the immense industrial capacity and manpower of the U.S. military. While he supported the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was not entirely optimistic about Japan’s ability to defeat the United States in a prolonged war. In fact, he reportedly expressed concerns about Japan’s chances in a war against the U.S. He is often quoted as saying:
- “I can run wild for six months… after that, I have no expectation of success.”
This statement reflects his belief that Japan’s initial victories in the Pacific would not guarantee long-term success, particularly against the United States, which could mobilize its vast industrial and military resources.
The Debate Over the Quote’s Authenticity
Despite its widespread association with Yamamoto, the exact origin of the “sleeping giant” quote is uncertain. Some historians have questioned whether Yamamoto ever actually said it. There is no direct evidence, such as a written or oral record, to conclusively prove that he made this statement. The quote may have been a dramatic creation for the film Tora! Tora! Tora!, which depicted the events surrounding Pearl Harbor. It’s also possible that the sentiment behind the phrase was inspired by Yamamoto’s known views but was never directly articulated by him.
The Impact of the Pearl Harbor Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor did indeed “awaken” the United States, which quickly ramped up its military and industrial output. The U.S. entered the war with a resolve that would eventually lead to the defeat of Japan, Germany, and Italy. The industrial might of the United States, its massive production capabilities, and the determination of its military were key factors in the ultimate defeat of the Axis Powers.
In the end, the phrase has come to symbolize the idea that provoking a powerful and resource-rich nation like the United States would lead to catastrophic consequences for Japan—a consequence that became painfully clear as the war progressed, culminating in Japan’s surrender after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
In summary, while Admiral Yamamoto likely had reservations about Japan’s ability to defeat the United States in the long term, the exact origins of the quote “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant” remain uncertain. It has become a famous expression reflecting the profound shift in the balance of power after Pearl Harbor, regardless of whether Yamamoto said it or not.