NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
In the days leading up to the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, America found its attention largely absorbed by the war unfolding in Europe. However, everything shifted in an instant when enemy planes descended from a clear blue sky to strike the American naval base and aerial targets in Hawaii. Craig Shirley’s December 1941 dives deep into the moment-by-moment ordeal that marked the nation’s awakening to the realities of war.
This bestselling author brings forth a vivid reconstruction of events that summoned the enduring spirit of America, celebrating the resilience and courage characteristic of the time. By weaving together daily news reports from across the country and newly released government documents, Shirley illuminates the critical diplomatic exchanges leading to the attack, the internment of Japanese Americans that followed, and the sweeping overhaul of the U.S. economy poised for a wartime effort.
Shirley paints an engaging portrait of pre-war American culture, capturing everything from fashion and celebrity to the everyday lives of citizens. As the narrative unfolds in December 1941, readers are drawn into the surge of heroism, selflessness, and a collective sense of purpose that defined this era. The vibrant talents of Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley are highlighted, as well as the notable challenges of rationing and federal economic control that characterized life on the home front.
Featuring influential figures such as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull, and General Douglas MacArthur, December 1941 reveals a period of profound transformation within American governance and society. Through anecdotes both amusing and heart-wrenching, it explores the unique religious dimensions of a nation under assault just prior to Christmas. While the closest Americans came to war before December 7 was through improvised war games, they would soon find themselves entrenched in a desperate struggle for their way of life—one that would leave an indelible mark on the nation and the world.
In December 1941, moments of surprising revelation and impactful narrative come together to form an essential account of the events that galvanized America and set the course for the future, reminding us of the strength and unity that emerged in a time of profound crisis.
