Did Yamamoto Really Say?
The infamous phrase "I fear we will awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve" is often attributed to Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, but did he really say it? The answer is no, and this article will delve into the history and facts behind the quote.
A Hollywood Creation
The phrase originated from the 1970 film "Tora! Tora! Tora!", a dramatization of the Pearl Harbor attack. The movie is based on a book by Ladislas Farago, a Hungarian-American historian and journalist. Farago did not attribute the quote to Yamamoto, but instead used it as a narrative device to convey the Admiral’s concerns about the US entering the war.
Lack of Evidence
There is no credible evidence to suggest that Yamamoto ever uttered these exact words. Yamamoto was a key figure in the planning and execution of the Pearl Harbor attack, and his conversations and writings were meticulously documented by his contemporaries. None of these accounts mention this specific quote.
Yamamoto’s Views on the US
What we do know is that Yamamoto was acutely aware of the potential risks and consequences of war with the United States. In a conversation with Japanese naval officer and historian, Takashi Nagai, Yamamoto expressed his concerns about the US entering the war, stating that the US would "be merciless and relentless" and that "the war will not last long."
Yamamoto’s Real Views on the US
While Yamamoto did not use the exact phrase, he did express his admiration for the US and its people. In a letter to his wife, he wrote, "The Americans are a wonderful people. I respect them deeply." This letter was written in 1941, just months before the Pearl Harbor attack.
The Quote’s Legacy
Despite the lack of evidence, the phrase "I fear we will awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve" has become an integral part of popular culture. It has been referenced and parodied in countless films, TV shows, and books, often as a way to convey a sense of foreboding or warning.
Key Takeaways
- The phrase "I fear we will awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve" is a creation of the 1970 film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" and not attributed to Yamamoto.
- There is no credible evidence to suggest that Yamamoto ever uttered these exact words.
- Yamamoto was aware of the potential risks and consequences of war with the United States, but he did not use this exact phrase.
- Yamamoto expressed admiration for the US and its people in his writings and conversations.
Conclusion
The myth of Yamamoto’s quote has become a powerful symbol of the risks and consequences of provoking a great power. While it may not be based on fact, it has become an enduring part of popular culture. It is essential to separate fact from fiction and recognize the complexities and nuances of history.