Churchill and Hitler complicate the Pacific crisis

Churchill would likely promise support and try to reinforce Singapore, increasing pressure on Tokyo. Hitler's belief that great powers should declare rather than receive war makes an impulsive declaration against the United States plausible even before Japan attacks. His decision to declare war after Pearl Harbor supports considering an early declaration here, although its timing remains speculative. The resulting alignment could leave Germany and Italy at war with America while Japan withdraws its carriers. If imperial action also removes Tojo, the new Japanese government might then step away from the Tripartite Pact, leaving America freer to concentrate on Europe. Removing Tojo would probably also displace many of his hardline supporters, making this the branch with the best chance of peace between Japan and the United States.