— December 8, 1941 — 08:00 a.m. (local time)
Special Radio Tokyo Broadcast
"The Imperial Japanese fleet has launched a preemptive strike against American bases in the Pacific! Pearl Harbor is in flames, dozens of ships sunk, hundreds of planes destroyed. Total victory! Japan rises!"
The world held its breath. What followed would change history.
Berlin — December 8 — 1:12 a.m.
At the Führer's headquarters, Adolf Hitler paced in front of the world map. The reports were clear: the Japanese had acted without warning their allies.
—"What is the meaning of this? Why weren't we informed?" he roared, slamming a fist on the table.
—"Mein Führer, they claim it was an autonomous operation, in case of total diplomatic breakdown with the U.S.," an officer explained.
—"They've dragged us into a total war without consulting us!" Hitler bellowed, then paused, his tone lowering.
—"Very well. Then we will declare war on the United States. Let's see if they can fight on two fronts... and against two worlds."
Goebbels, silent, was already plotting how to turn outrage into epic legend.
Rome — 1:45 a.m.
Mussolini received the news half-asleep. His secretary read the first bulletins aloud.
—"Pearl Harbor has been bombed. The Yankees are heading to Congress. They're furious."
—"And the Japanese didn't warn us?" Il Duce muttered, rubbing his forehead.
—"Idioti giapponesi…"
He poured himself a glass of Chianti and sighed:
—"We must respond. Italy cannot lag behind. We will declare war on America!"
Madrid — 2:03 a.m.
Franco listened to the news in his El Pardo office. Serrano Suñer was beside him.
—"You see? This is no longer just Europe," the Caudillo said gravely. "This is global."
—"And if they ask us for troops in the Pacific?" Suñer asked, visibly nervous.
Franco gave a faint smile:
—"Then we will talk… about commitments. But Spain will not move… unless Berlin demands it. And if they do, we won't say no."
Washington D.C. — 1:00 p.m. (local time)
President Roosevelt addressed Congress:
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 —a date which will live in infamy— the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan…"
Applause thundered like drums of war.
America was entering the conflict, more determined than ever.
London — 6:00 p.m.
Winston Churchill raised his glass of whisky by the fire in his Downing Street office.
—"At last," he whispered. "The Americans have awakened."
—"And now, sir?" his secretary asked.
—"Now we fight side by side. The free world just gained a new army. Let the fascists prepare."
Moscow — Night of December 8–9
Stalin was in a meeting with Zhukov when the report arrived.
—"The Japanese attacked the Americans?" he asked incredulously.
—"Yes, Comrade Stalin. Pearl Harbor has been devastated."
—"Then... the Yankees will join. Good. Let them all bleed. The more they wear each other down… the better for us."
Zhukov said nothing. But his eyes were like blades.
Tokyo — Imperial Palace
Prime Minister Tojo celebrated with the naval command.
—"We've shattered American morale in a single strike!"
—"And soon Germany and Italy will join us," another general added. "The world bends to our will."
Berlin — December 9 — Axis Declaration
A joint broadcast shook the globe:
"The German Reich, the Kingdom of Italy, and the Empire of Japan hereby declare a state of war with the United States of America."