America moves towards war

1939-1941

1935 FDR and Congress passed a series of neutrality acts.

Outlawed arms sales or loans to nations at war

3 one aimed at Spain banned the selling of arms in nations engaged in Civil War

Neutrality Act

FDR found it impossible to stay neutral US sent arms to China “Claimed Japan didn’t

declare war” so he didn’t follow the Act Isolationists bashed FDR claiming he was

leading US to war

Neutrality breaks down

Neutrality Act of 1939 declared US could see arms to warring nations as long as they paid “cash” and transported them with their own ships”

Help France/Great Britain

Cash-Carry Act

Japan/Italy/Germany declared if anyone wages war on one it was war on all (goal to keep US out of the war)

Axis alliance forms

Set up draft 1 million men ages 21-35 FDR gets elected for 3rd term Signs lend-lease plan 1941Lent arms to

any country whose defense was vital to the USA” (Great Britain was out of cash)/Also supported Soviet Union

US responds

Atlantic CharterGB and USA pledged collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, freedom of seas (got into fights with U-Boats)

FDR plans for war

JapanTojo wanted to unite East Asia under Japanese leadership (1941)

US protested by cutting trade to Japan (Oil embargo)

Attack Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

FDR plans for War