World War II American entrance

Pretext Rise of Fascism in Europe Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Franco all rise amid economic and political strife 1933: Enabling Act in Germany gives Hitler unprecedented power Japanese Imperialism

Good Neighbor Policy United States voluntarily renounced use of military force in Latin America

Isolationism America and congress accepted economic intervention Did not want to get involved in political entanglements Disillusionment from WWI Some believed that the US was forced in WWI by “war profiteers”

Neutrality Act of 1935 Embargo on arms trading with countries at war 1936 banned loans to belligerent nations (those in conflict) 1937 “cash and carry” provision: If a nation wanted to purchase non-military goods from the US, it had to pay in cash and ship with own ships.

Opposition Some wanted intervention against Fascist rise in Europe 1935-1938: Communist party in US membership peaked at 100,000 Abraham Lincoln Brigade: 3,200 military volunteers fight against Franco in Spain

Failure of Appeasement Encouraged by Allied failures to intervene vs. Spain, Hitler becomes more bold 1938: Sends troops to annex Austria 1939 Non-aggression pact between Russia and Germany 1939: Invasion of Poland

Retreat from Isolationism 2 days after the war started, the US declared neutrality Roosevelt made no secret of his sympathies to the Allies 84% of Americans in 1939 supported Britain and France

“Sitzkrieg” After the attack/taking of Poland, there was a pause (September 1939 to April 1940) Then, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Luxembourg fall quickly June 22 1940: France falls Britain stands alone

1939 Congress changes neutrality laws to allow Allies to buy arms on cash-and-carry basis Conservatives form America First Committee (including Lindbergh)

Roosevelt Prepares for War Ships for Bases trade with Britain Large increase in defense spending approved by congress Roosevelt Reelected in 1940

Lend-Lease Authorized President to “lend, lease, or otherwise dispose of” arms and other equipment to any country whose defense was considered vital to the security of the United States

The Four Freedoms Speech: Delivered before Congress January 6, 1941 *from Fear *from Want *of Speech *to Worship

The Four Freedoms: from FEAR World War II Poster by Norman Rockwell

The Four Freedoms: from WANT World War II Poster by Norman Rockwell

The Four Freedoms: of SPEECH World War II Poster by Norman Rockwell

The Four Freedoms: to WORSHIP World War II Poster by Norman Rockwell

This was the “unofficial” entrance of the US into the war Atlantic Charter: Meeting with Churchill to outline foundation for western cause Economic collaboration Stability after the war National self determination Collective security

Pearl Harbor Attack 2,403 Servicemen Killed December 7, 1941

FDR Declares War December 8, 1941

Washington Conference Dec. 22, 1941 to Jan. 14, 1942 FDR & Churchill adopt a policy of “Europe First” that considers Germany the greater danger than Japan.