WI: Earlier American oil embargo of Japan

Let's say the Japanese do much more outrageous things (especially to American civilians in China), or something. After repeated Japanese 'war crimes', America declares an embargo.

How fast will the Pacific war end? Assume the oil embargo begins in 1937 or 1938.
 
As I have seen on some other threads, the US armed forces were not really ready for a War in the mid to late 30's. I could see a possible embargo go into effect, but I it would be resisted by the isolationists and oil states.
 
It's an interesting POD; it seems easy to spin off the quarantine doctrine. But would the Dutch go along with it?
 
It definitely puts Japan in a very precarious position.

But I have a question

The OTL Oil Embargo was used to force Japan to withdraw from China and Indochina.

But In this case, what's the embargo used for long term, other than to punish the short term atrocities you mentioned?

With out a long term geo-political purpose, it's going to be hard sell to Congress for FDR, especially with the depression still in full effect domestically.
 
Top