Frank Capra’s Why We Fight Finale and the Pearl Harbor Turning Point
About This Footage
War Comes to America (1945), the final chapter in Frank Capra’s acclaimed Why We Fight series, chronicles America’s path from neutrality to global conflict. The film traces U.S. history from its founding ideals and waves of immigration through industrial growth, the Great Depression, and the rising threats posed by Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy. Archival footage highlights Hitler’s conquest of Europe, the fall of France, the Battle of Britain, and Franklin Roosevelt’s Lend-Lease program supplying critical aid to Allies. The narrative builds to Japan’s expansion across the Pacific and the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which propelled the United States into World War II. Produced as wartime propaganda, the film sought to unify the American public, rally support for total mobilization, and frame the struggle as a defense of democracy against Axis tyranny. Today it stands as both a historical record and a vivid example of WWII-era government filmmaking.
Explore & Preview Individual Reels
- War Comes to America - Reel 1: U.S. History & WWII Combat Footage
- War Comes to America - Reel 2: Immigration, Industry & Daily Life
- War Comes to America - Reel 3: WWI, Depression & Rise of Fascism
- War Comes to America - Reel 4: Global Conflict & America Awakens
- War Comes to America - Reel 5: Fall of France & America Prepares for War
- War Comes to America - Reel 6: Axis Pact, Lend-Lease & Hitler Invades Russia
- War Comes to America - Reel 7: U-Boat Attacks & Pearl Harbor