The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor for several reasons. The tensions between Japan and the United States escalated until the U.S decided to place an embargo on Japan. This embargo blocked the Japanese from receiving crucial materials, such as steel and aviation fuel. The United States placed this embargo because Japan tried to take over more territory. In 1941, Japan had two goals. The first was to get the embargo lifted since Japan needed oil to fuel its military. The second goal was to get territory and to prepare for war.