Why Didn't Germany Declare War on the United States After Japan Attacked Pearl Harbor?

The linkage between Germany and the United States during World War II is often misunderstood, especially regarding the declaration of war. While Germany did not immediately declare war on the U.S. after the attack on Pearl Harbor, this was largely due to procedural and strategic considerations. Understanding these aspects provides insight into the complex dynamics of international conflict during the mid-20th century.

Constitutional Constraints on Declaration of War

According to the U.S. Constitution, the authority to declare war lies solely with Congress, not the President. This is enshrined in Article I, Section 8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had to convene a joint session of Congress immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor to formally request their approval for war efforts.

Procedural and Strategic Considerations

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, President Roosevelt immediately called for a joint session of Congress to request a declaration of war. Both the House and Senate were convened in a single chamber to formally address the nation and gain official approval from Congress.

Commonwealth Realities and Historical Context

It's crucial to recognize that other Allied nations, particularly Australia and New Zealand, declared war on Germany long before the U.S. did. These nations were already engaged in combat with Germany as part of the British Commonwealth and had reasons for their earlier declarations.

Australia, New Zealand, and the British Commonwealth

Australia and New Zealand had been at war with Germany since September 3, 1939, when the British declared war on Germany at the outset of World War II. This declaration was a response to Germany's invasion of Poland, marking the official start of World War II.

Their troops had already seen combat in various theaters, including Greece, Crete, and North Africa by December 1941. Hitler's declaration of war on the United States on December 11, 1941, followed the U.S. attack on Pearl Harbor.

Hitler's Rationale and Naval Warfare

Adolf Hitler's rationale for not declaring war on the U.S. immediately after Pearl Harbor was based on strategic naval concerns. He cited the sinking of German submarines by U.S. ships as justification for his own actions. Hitler alleged that U.S. assistance to the U.K., including the transportation of weapons and munitions, was facilitated through the hacking of the Enigma machine, which was passed to the U.S. from the U.K.

Underrated Historical Knowledge

The complexity of international relations during World War II is often oversimplified. Many Americans are unaware that the conflict began in 1939 when the United Kingdom and Western European countries declared war on Germany, not in 1941, when the U.S. joined the Allies. By this time, Australia and New Zealand had been fighting alongside the British since the very beginning of the war, showcasing the interconnectedness of the theatre of combat.

Conclusion

In summary, Germany did not declare war on the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor due to constitutional and strategic constraints. The official declaration of war required Congressional approval, and the complexity of the international situation among Commonwealth nations, particularly Australia and New Zealand, provides a broader understanding of the historical context. This situation highlights the intricate and often misunderstood geopolitical dynamics of World War II.