WWII and America

I. American Neutrality 1937 - poll showed that 70% of Americans thought the U.S. should not have entered WWI. After WWI the U.S. adopted a policy of Isolationism, not becoming involved with other nation’s issues. To prevent U.S. involvement in another war – U.S. signs Neutrality Acts. banned transportation or sale of arms to nations at war. banned loans to nations at war.

II. The War Begins September 1, 1939 – Germany invades Poland. Two days later France and Great Britain declare war on Germany. By the end of 1940, Britain was running out of money

III. Signals U.S. is preparing for War Summer 1940 – 1st peacetime draft in U.S. History. Roosevelt was elected for 3rd time. March 1941 FDR passes the Lend-Lease Act. U.S. would lend/lease Great Britain any supplies they needed to defeat Germany Supplies to be returned or replaced after the war $51 Billion in aid

IV. Pearl Harbor 1940 – Japan joins Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy (Tojo’s decision) All 3 countries declared war on the West The U.S. refused to abandon China and demanded Japan withdraw.

Aerial view of Pearl Harbor, Ford Island in center Aerial view of Pearl Harbor, Ford Island in center. The Arizona memorial is the small white speck on the far right side close to Ford Island.

Satellite View of Pearl Harbor

Battleship Row

V. The Attack Just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday December 7, 1941. Japanese bombers attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. 1st wave of Japanese planes numbered 191. 2nd wave numbered 170 Greatest disaster in American Military History

VI. The Aftermath 150 warplanes destroyed 94 ships, 8 battleships, 3 cruisers and 3 destroyers were put out of action. 2300 servicemen die. Dec. 8, Roosevelt asks congress to declare war on Japan. 3 days later Germany and Italy declare war on U.S.

A Japanese photo taken during the aerial torpedo attack on "Battleship Row" on the far side of Ford Island. A torpedo has just struck USS West Virginia (center).

The USS Shaw explodes during the Japanese air raid.

The USS Arizona sinking during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941.

The Arizona is both a tomb and a memorial.

VII. Japans response Admiral Yamamotto stated, “ I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.”