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Was American involvement in WWII inevitable?

Was American involvement in WWII inevitable?. March 3. America’s Views. When WWII first broke out in Europe, America maintained a policy of isolationism or neutrality Many Americans did wish to enter another world war, especially after WWI.

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Was American involvement in WWII inevitable?

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  1. Was American involvement in WWII inevitable? March 3

  2. America’s Views • When WWII first broke out in Europe, America maintained a policy of isolationism or neutrality • Many Americans did wish to enter another world war, especially after WWI. • Isolationists created the America First Committee, which stated the US should stay out of foreign affairs

  3. Neutral? • FDR took steps to get the US ready for war, even though the US was neutral. • Congress voted to strengthen the navy in 1938 • A new Neutrality Act was passed in 1939 • Allowed the US to sell weapons to countries • The Selective Training and Service Act was passed creating a military draft in the US. • Men between the ages of 21 and 35 had to apply • In 1940, FDR broke tradition and ran for a third presidential term and won • He promised that America would not go to war

  4. FDR Moves Closer to War • After the election of 1940 FDR openly stated his support of the Allies against Nazi Germany. • In 1941, FDR got Congress to approve the Lend-Lease Act • The US would sell, lend, or lease weapons/ammunition/war supplies to nations that were “vital” to the defense of the US

  5. FDR Closer to War Continued… • Isolationists opposed the Lend-Lease Act because they thought it would involve the US in the war too much • In order to protect these shipments across the ocean, FDR ordered American ships to escort the shipments and ordered a “shoot on sight” policy against the German navy.

  6. FDR and Churchill - 1941 • In August 1941, Churchill and FDR met to create the Atlantic Charter • The purpose of this charter was to create plans and goals for the world after the destruction of Nazism and totalitarian goverments • In the first quote on your worksheet what does FDR and Churchill want all nations to be able to do? • In the second quote: what organization is FDR and Churchill asking for the world to create?

  7. Japan on the Offensive • After the fall of France, Japan expanded its control greatly. • Japan set it’s sights on the Philippines, a US territory, which outraged FDR. • In 1941, Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye was replaced by General Hideki Tojo. • Tojo believed Japan could defeat the US in a military engagement

  8. Japan Plays Two Sides • In November 1941, the US and Japan were in peace negotiations. • At the same time, Hideki Tojo was planning a surprise attack on the US navy stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

  9. A Date Which Will Live in Infamy • At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941: • Japanese planes enter Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii • They seek out American battleships, aircraft carriers, and destroyers • The attack was a complete surprise to Americans • Approximately 2,300 soldiers, civilians, and sailors were killed • The attack occurred in two waves and when the Japanese lost the element of surprise they retreated

  10. The USS Arizona was a major American naval warship that was targeted. It was hit with a torpedo and sunk. Many sailors were trapped inside when it sunk and were never recovered.

  11. Today: this is the memorial on the USS Arizona to honor those sailors and soldiers that drowned in the sinking vessel.

  12. A Date Which Will Live in Infamy continued… • After the attack was over FDR gave a speech to congress and stated that: “December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. The United States was deliberately attacked by the Empire of Japan…” • After this speech, FDR and Congress declared war on Japan. • As a result, Germany and Italy declared war the US, causing the US to enter World War II.

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