|
When World War II began, Americans were still caught up in the Great Depression and wanted to remain isolated from European affairs. President Roosevelt issued a series of Neutrality Acts from 1935-1939 which aimed to keep the US out of the conflicts arising in Europe. These acts evolved as the conflict got more serious and FDR desired to help stop Hitler's aggression by aiding US allies in Britain and France.
In 1935, Americans were not permitted to send weapons to foreign nations at war. In 1936, this was extended, but Americans were permitted to sell non-military goods. In 1937, it was extended once again and this time Americans were prohibited from traveling on ships of nations at war. The 1937 act did, however, permit the sale of non-military goods on a "cash-and-carry" basis--meaning the buyers must pay for the good in cash and arrange for their own transportation of the goods By 1939, FDR was committed to helping the Western Allies as much as possible while still keeping the US out of the war. |
LEND LEASE ACT 1941- President Roosevelt declared America as the "arsenal of democracy" and therefore they should be supplying the British with weapons. Under the Lend Lease Act, the British could pay for the arms later of just return it after the war was over. This act was important because, by 1941, France had fallen to Hitler and Great Britain was left fighting Hitler and the Nazis on their own.
Roosevelt's Quarantine Speech- 1937 FDR gave this speech in Chicago arguing that peaceful nations must work together to stop (quarantine) the aggressive nations and stop their influence from spreading. Four Freedoms and the Atlantic Charter- 1941 President Roosevelt declared that he wished to create a world based on Four Freedoms 1) Freedom of Speech and expression 2) Freedom of every person to worship God in their own way 3) Freedom from want 4) Freedom from fear These freedoms were solidified when FDR secretly met with Churchill on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The two leaders discussed their desires for the world after World War II and laid the foundations for the future United Nations |