Congress declares war on Japan following Pearl Harbor attack

One day after the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses a joint session of Congress. He tells lawmakers that December 7, 1941, is a date which will live in infamy. Congress approves his request for a declaration of war in less than one hour. The Senate votes 82-0 and the House votes 388-1, with only pacifist Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana dissenting. FDR signs the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband. This is the last formal war declaration Congress will make.