Would it be possible to get the United States into a war with Japan in 1940-1942 without Pearl Harbor, but with a more suspected attack than an open and provable one? Something similar to the Maine in the Spanish American War.
Assuming this occurs, would terms be as harsh for Japan, now that the war isnt perceived as a such an illegal sneak attack and therefor most Americans wouldn't be so adamant about "Total Victory". How does such an event effect the war and the public perception?