10th American History Unit IV- A Champion of Democracy Chapter 13 – Section 3 The United States Enters the War

The United States Enters the War The Main Idea Isolationist feeling in the United States was strong in the 1930s, but Axis aggression eventually destroyed it and pushed the United States into war. Reading Focus Why was a commitment to isolationism so widespread in the 1930s? How did Roosevelt balance American isolationism with the need to intervene in the war? What did the United States do to prepare for war in 1940 and 1941? What were the causes and effects of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor?

United States Isolationism in the 1930s The desire to avoid involvement in foreign wars was known as isolationism. Isolationists were not necessarily pacifists. Most isolationists simply wanted to preserve America’s freedom to choose the time and place for action. Many Americans questioned what the Allies’ costly victory in World War I had actually achieved. Anti-League of Nation feelings soared as people believed that the League might drag the United States into future wars. Roosevelt was not an isolationist; however, he was focused on solving problems at home by implementing his New Deal programs. Congress did pass isolationist measures such as the Neutrality Act in 1935.

American Isolationism (02:41)

Isolationism versus Intervention The Neutrality Act prohibited the sale of arms or making loans to warring countries. Roosevelt needed the support of isolationists in Congress. They wanted to remain neutral. The United States did not intervene in the Spanish Civil War or the Japanese invasion of China. Intervention When Italy invaded Ethiopia, Roosevelt stopped arms sales to both countries—which hurt only Italy. Roosevelt did not want to remain neutral—he was worried about the aggressive actions of totalitarian leaders. Roosevelt began to speak out against neutrality with his Quarantine Speech.

U.S. Reaction- Neutrality FDR does not ask the American People to be neutral in thought and deed. He invoked the Neutrality Act of 1937. FDR got Congress to pass the Neutrality Act of 1939 which helped the allies by repealing the arms embargo.

U.S. Neutrality Acts Tydings-McDuffie Act 1934- provided for the independence of the Philippines by 1946. 1935- FDR recommends the US join the World Court- isolationists say no. 1935-1936 Neutrality Acts- US citizens travel at own risk to Belligerent nations, shipment of arms barred to Spain during civil war (this helped the fascists.). 1937- Sales to belligerents, but only on “cash and carry” basis.- law embargoed munitions and possibly other exports the President saw fit. 1937 amendment would have prevented Congress from declaring war without first submitting the question to a popular vote. It was never submitted. These laws did not block the world from going to war.

FDR and neutrality FDR warned America about war and that the US could not be a mere spectator. He wanted quarantine, but did not get it Pacifists- never go to war for any reason. Isolationists- fence off the New World and keep the war out. 5th Columnists- German agents operating inside the United States waiting to become active. Nazi sympathizers- Italian and German immigrants and American Nazi. Defeatists- We can not possible defeat them. (Lindbergh) Hate England Crowd – such as the Irish. Business as usual- businesses profiting from the war. Arms manufacturers and bankers profit either way. Appeasers- Give in to Hitler’s demands

American Isolationism Why was a commitment to isolationism so widespread in the 1930’s? Identify – What foreign policy matter did President Roosevelt address while he was focusing on his New Deal programs? Evaluate – Why do you think the Neutrality Act prohibited the export of arms, ammunition, or any other tools of war to any country that was at war?

Balancing Isolationism and Intervention How did Roosevelt balance American isolationism with the need to intervene in the war? Identify – What events of the mid-1930’s led President Roosevelt to give his quarantine speech? Analyze – Why did Roosevelt grow increasingly unwilling to allow America to remain isolationist? Evaluate – Why do you think businesses refused Roosevelt’s request to end oil shipments to Italy?

The United States Prepares for War Roosevelt asked Congress for money to build new naval vessels. Congress approved despite isolationist complaints. Congress changed the neutrality laws to a new policy called cash-and-carry. Countries at war could buy American goods if they paid cash and picked up their goods at American ports. Roosevelt urged a policy of “all aid short of war.” He traded 50 aging warships for eight British military bases. Isolationists opposed the deal, but were too weak to stop it.

The United States prepares for war U.S. needs to rearm- 50,000 planes in 1941, and every year till Nazi’s are defeated. Billions were asked for to build a two ocean navy. Isolationists still hoped the Neutrality Acts of 1939 would keep us out of war.

Destroyers for Bases Deal To get around the laws on helping beligerents, FDR approved the selling of American military equipment to private companies the were buying for the British. Churchill wanted U.S. destroyers to protect ships at sea and supplies. President devised the “Destroyers for bases deal”- we transferred 50 old but useful destroyers to Great Britain in exchange for the use of 8 British naval bases in the Atlantic. Britain was to never surrender this fleet to Hitler.

Helping the British England out of cash for Cash and Carry. With Neutrality law in place FDR could not help the English and they would surely lose the war. Lend-Lease- clever plan- we would offer to lease (lend) to countries whose defense was considered vital to the defense of the U.S. British would not need cash to get the supplies.

Preparing for War Roosevelt defeated business leader Wendell Willkie for an unprecedented third term as president. He felt world events required experience in the White House. Roosevelt wanted to make the United States an “arsenal of democracy.” Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the nation to send weapons to Great Britain. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met secretly in 1941. They agreed to the Atlantic Charter. This document proclaimed the shared goals of the United States and Britain in opposing Hitler and his Allies. Despite German U-boat attacks on U.S. ships trying to deliver goods under the Lend-Lease Act, isolationists continued to oppose entry into the war.

World affairs and the presidential campaign of 1940 Wilkie vs. FDR Wilkie opposed the New Deal, but also wanted to help Great Britain and the draft. Wilkie became reckless in his attacks and FDR reckless in his responces about sending the boys to war. FDR won easily but not as large as before.- but 1st president to be elected to three terms.

Atlantic Charter Meeting of Churchill and FDR off Newfoundland. Up-to-date version of Wilson’s 14 points.

Four Freedoms Speech freedom of speech freedom of religion freedom from want freedom from fear

The Lend-Lease Act: America Aids Great Britain 1:36

Preparing for War What did the United States do to prepare for war in 1940 and 1941? Identify – What was the Lend-Lease Act? Analyze – Do you think Roosevelt should have made stronger attempts to convince isolationists of the need for the U.S. to enter the war? Make judgments – Do you think that the U.S. should “police a world that chooses to follow insane leaders”? Why or Why not?

The Path to Infamy (03:48)

Trouble in the Pacific Japan not the Germans would plunge the U.S. into war. 1940- Japan became a partner of Germany and Italy Japan’s empire was called “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”- Japan had taken unprotected French and Dutch lands and British lands and China were also on their list. Japan wanted to seal off the “Burma Road”- the Allied supply route for China. They did successfully occupy bases in French Indochina U.S. responds with embargo on all trade with Japan. All U.S. – Japanese discussions from this point China was the problem. U.S. wants the Japanese out. The Japanese demand we not support Chiang Kai-shek in China.

Attack on Pearl Harbor Causes Effects Conflict between Japan and the United States over French Indochina Japan’s alliance with Germany and Italy Japan’s prime minister, Hideki Tojo, was hostile towards the United States. Effects Americans reacted to the news of the Pearl Harbor attack with anger and fear. Californians reported seeing submarines off the Pacific coast. Some Americans feared that Japanese Americans would assist an invasion of the mainland. The United States declared war on Japan. Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

“Day of Infamy” The choice for the Japanese was limited in their eyes- Give up the idea of having an empire or go to war with the U.S.- The military leaders of Japan choose war, October 1941- General Hideki Tojo came to power “Magic”- intelligence we received from Japan after breaking the Japanese code. We knew they would attack, but now where. U.S. navy forces put on alert status. Dec. 7, 1941- Pearl Harbor. Perfect surprise, and the greatest military disaster in American History- 150 American warplanes, 8 Battleships, 3 Cruisers and 3 destroyers, 70 civilians and 2300 servicemen. Dec. 8, 1941- FDR speech to Congress-

The Attack on Pearl Harbor Defenses U.S military planners believed an attack on Pearl Harbor was possible. Forces at the base were unprepared to defend it. No single commander was in charge. Routine defensive steps were not in place. The Attack On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked. Aircraft carriers approached the island of Oahu. War planes loaded with bombs and torpedoes left the carriers and destroyed American ships and planes. The attack lasted 2 hours. The Aftermath All 8 battleships were damaged; 4 were sunk. Nearly 200 aircraft were destroyed. Some 2,400 Americans were dead. Japan lost only a handful of submarines and fewer than 30 planes.

Dec. 7, 1941 – 4:25

Japan Attacks Pear Harbor What were the causes and effects of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor? Recall – Why was Pearl Harbor targeted by the Japanese? Explain – How were Japanese airplanes able to approach Pearl Harbor without being detected? Design- What should have been done to minimize the destruction that occurred when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor?

Japan Attacks Pear Harbor Recall – How long did the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor last? Compare and Contrast – List the similarities and differences between the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001? Evaluate - Do you think the Japanese would have dared attack the United States mainland? Why or why not?