Pearl Harbor was certainly one of the most dramatic turning points in American history, with all the elements that accompany an epic drama: heroes, villains, propaganda and conspiracy theories . This propelled the country from an isolationist continent into the spotlight of the global stage. World War II changed the way the world viewed the United States and the way Americans viewed themselves. Following Pearl Harbor and the war, the United States accepted the predominant role of global leadership. The tragedy of Pearl Harbor shocked and united the American people around a singular purpose and objective, more than any other event before or since. As Americans woke up to a lazy Sunday morning in paradise, little did they know that in a matter of minutes their lives would be changed forever. Sailors, soldiers and airmen watched in horror as the American fleet, including the mighty dreadnoughts, burned and sank to the bottom of the shallow blue harbor. The calamity caused massive chaos and confusion. Many false rumors were spread, including that Japanese paratroopers were invading Hawaii and that subsequent assaults were imminent. Above all, no one knew how to react since it was the first time since the War of 1812 that Americans had been attacked on their own soil. As the nation was just recovering from the Great Depression, with optimism on the horizon, the American people really had no desire to get involved in foreign wars. However, President Franklin Roosevelt was aware of the actions taking place in Europe and Asia and could foresee that the United States would face inevitable danger to the free world if the United States did not take a stand in the war. While Americans favored neutrality, the American administration knew that it would only be a matter of time before the United States entered the war. The opportune timing of Pearl Harbor allowed Roosevelt to pursue his interventionist agenda unhindered. This, coupled with certain details, such as the lack of aircraft carriers at Pearl Harbor, led some to believe that Roosevelt had warned of the attack and intentionally lured the Japanese into opening the back door to war. Twenty-three hours after the initial assault, Roosevelt declared war. and assured that “This day will live in infamy…” in his speech to Congress. In the end, Americans came out on top and became their own heroes; Admiral Yamamoto made a prophetic remark shortly after December 7: "I fear that all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with terrible determination.".