History Extra Podcast: "Preview: Was Pearl Harbor an Inside Job?"

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of the History Extra Podcast, titled "Preview: Was Pearl Harbor an Inside Job?" released on July 4, 2025, host Rob Attar delves into one of the most enduring conspiracy theories in American history: the possibility that President Franklin D. Roosevelt had prior knowledge of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and may have facilitated it to galvanize the United States into World War II. Joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Steve Toomey, the discussion provides a nuanced exploration of the events leading up to December 7, 1941, and evaluates the validity of the conspiracy theories surrounding the infamous attack.

Introduction to the Conspiracy Theory

The episode kicks off with Rob Attar introducing the new series, "History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories," which aims to investigate some of the most pervasive and intriguing historical conspiracies. In the premiere of Season Two, the focus is squarely on Pearl Harbor—a day that shook the United States and changed the course of world history.

Setting the Historical Context [03:02]

Rob Attar sets the stage by recounting the events of December 7, 1941:

"On 7 December 1941, a day that would live in infamy, Japan attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,400 people, sinking a number of ships and destroying dozens of aircraft. It's one of the most notorious surprise attacks in history." [03:02]

This dramatic attack precipitated the United States' entry into World War II, transforming it from a policy of isolationism to active involvement.

Tense US-Japan Relations and Negotiations [04:05]

Steve Toomey provides a detailed account of the geopolitical tensions between the United States and Japan leading up to the attack:

"The attack occurred at a time of incredibly tense relations between the United States and Japan. For months the two sides have been negotiating about how, my phrase, to get Japan to behave better." [04:05]

Despite the simmering tensions and Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia—evident from its actions in China and Indochina—both nations were engaged in diplomatic negotiations aimed at peaceful resolution. However, unbeknownst to many, Japan had already committed to a path of war in the Pacific, making the attack on Pearl Harbor a calculated move rather than an impulsive act.

Expectation of War and Intelligence Gatherings [05:34]

Rob Attar probes the extent to which the United States anticipated the attack:

"The United States expected war in the Pacific any minute. ... Franklin Roosevelt expected war. The American Navy, the American army expected war. What they didn't expect is where it actually also broke out." [05:34]

This highlights that while the U.S. government was on high alert for potential conflict, the specific target of Pearl Harbor was unforeseen. The intelligence community was aware of Japan's expansionist ambitions, but pinpointing Pearl Harbor as the exact target remained elusive.

Breaking of the Japanese Diplomatic Code [07:18]

A crucial aspect of the discussion revolves around U.S. intelligence capabilities at the time. Toomey explains:

"The US had broken... the Japanese highest level diplomatic code... They were reading Japanese diplomatic messages in real time." [07:18]

This breakthrough provided the U.S. with significant insights into Japan's intentions. However, the intelligence gathered was broad and did not specify the exact nature or location of the impending attack. The messages merely indicated that Japan was poised for major actions in the Pacific, aligning with the observed movements of Japanese naval forces toward key strategic areas like Malaya, Singapore, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Limitations of Intelligence: Naval Codes Remained Unbroken [07:35]

Despite the successes in diplomatic code-breaking, the most critical Japanese military communications remained undeciphered:

"The Japanese naval code... was not read by the United States... It broke that code... after the war had started." [07:35]

This meant that while the U.S. had a general sense of Japan's aggressive posture, the specific plans, including the attack on Pearl Harbor, were hidden. Thus, the element of surprise was maintained, making a coordinated defense against the attack significantly more challenging.

Assessing Preparedness at Pearl Harbor [09:46]

Attar raises a pivotal question regarding the preparedness of U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor:

"Had the US Authorities been warning bases such as Pearl harbor of potential attacks and encouraging them to be prepared?" [09:46]

Toomey responds affirmatively, indicating that based on the intelligence available, U.S. authorities were actively preparing for possible Japanese aggression. This included not only diplomatic maneuvers but also practical measures to ready military bases for potential conflict.

Conclusion and Implications [10:04]

The episode concludes by emphasizing the distinction between general awareness of impending war and the specific intelligence required to predict the exact timing and location of an attack. While the U.S. was undoubtedly bracing for war in the Pacific, the lack of precise information about Pearl Harbor meant that the attack retained its element of surprise.

"Simply being told that something big was going to happen very soon, didn't say Pearl Harbor. It comported with what seemed to be the plan of the Japanese..." [07:18]

Final Thoughts

Rob Attar and Steve Toomey present a balanced analysis, acknowledging that while the United States was on the lookout for conflict with Japan, the specific details of the Pearl Harbor attack were not within the purview of available intelligence at the time. This nuanced perspective challenges the notion that Pearl Harbor was an "inside job," suggesting instead that it was a meticulously planned military strike that capitalized on the broader geopolitical tensions of the era.

For those interested in an in-depth exploration of this topic, the full episode of "History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories" is available for subscription, offering a thorough examination of whether Pearl Harbor was indeed an inside job or a strategic surprise by Japanese forces.

Key Quotes

• "It's one of the most notorious surprise attacks in history." – Rob Attar [03:02]

• "The United States expected war in the Pacific any minute." – Steve Toomey [05:34]

• "The US had broken... the Japanese highest level diplomatic code... They were reading Japanese diplomatic messages in real time." – Steve Toomey [07:18]

• "Simply being told that something big was going to happen very soon, didn't say Pearl Harbor." – Steve Toomey [07:18]

Listen to the Full Episode

To dive deeper into this fascinating discussion, subscribe to History Extra and access the full episode of "History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories" wherever you listen to podcasts.