"At the Imperial Conference on December 1, it was decided to make war against England and the United States"

This quote from Hideki Tojo, the Prime Minister of Japan during World War II, reflects the choice made at the Imperial Conference on December 1, 1941. This conference was held to discuss Japan's action to the United States' economic sanctions versus Japan, which had been imposed in reaction to Japan's military actions in China and Southeast Asia. At the conference, it was decided that Japan would declare war on the United States and the United Kingdom. This choice was made in order to secure Japan's interests in the region and to avoid the United States from further interfering in Japan's affairs. The choice to go to war was a significant juncture in the history of World War II, as it marked the beginning of Japan's participation in the dispute. The repercussions of this choice were far-reaching, as it resulted in the ravaging Pacific War, which lasted until completion of the war in 1945.