World War II 1939-1945 Part 2

The Lend-Lease Act By 1941 President Roosevelt is convinced that the U.S. cannot stay out of the war much longer, even though most citizens favor neutrality. March 1941: Congress passes the Lend-Lease Act, which enables the president to send aid to any nation whose defense is considered vital to the United States’ national security. This enables the U.S. to aid Great Britain. Roosevelt compared the act to “lending a garden hose to a next-door neighbor whose house is on fire.”

First Things First… Two sides of the war: Axis Powers – Germany, Italy, and Japan Allied Powers – Britain and France (USSR and U.S. will join later)

France Conquered 6 weeks after crossing into France, Germany captures Paris – France is forced to surrender, having only lasted about a month in the war Next on Hitler’s agenda is to conquer Britain Hitler decides to bomb Britain into surrendering Britain now stands alone against the might of Germany

Battle of Britain (1940-1941) German air force bombs Britain and London for nearly a year In addition, the British and German air forces are fighting in the skies above Britain British Prime Minister Winston Churchill refuses to surrender to Germany After over a year of fighting, Germany stops bombing Britain Britain proves to the world that Hitler can be defeated