What do you think was more shocking to the American Public?

Something I was just thinking about recently, comparing ourselves with the US citizens before us.

 

I'm going to make my argument for Pearl Harbor. Here's why:

The mid 1900s was a time of American isolationism. We minded our own business, the economy was good, and even though there was a large war in Europe, we didn't get too involved.

The attack on Pearl Harbor (a date which will live in infamy) was unexpected and devastating. The Japanese destroyed most of our navel power in one day, as well as killed hundreds upon hundreds of sailors who never expected an attack. It was shocking enough to thrust America from isolationism into war, and powerful enough to rally the entire country behind FDR (who was previously an unpopular president) for the duration of the war.

More soldiers voluntarily enlisted in WWII than any other war, ever (the Civil War is the second closest as far as voluntary enlistment goes). Women entered the workforce out of sheer necessity and motivation. The war lasted for 4 years after that, developing with it nuclear weapons, new technologies (recreational watercraft, washing machines, etc), and a sense of American pride that the future generations would never fully have. All because the Japanese delivered to us a kick in the pants we never expected, or will ever forget.

I would make an argument against the great depression and 9/11 but work is calling. I'll do that when I get home.

 

I couldn't really have put it better myself, the Japense attacked a country who had not been involved in the war, because they were scared that the USA might side with the allies and wanted to take a large amount of the fleet out, so they didn't pose a threat to the Japenese if they decided to join the war.