10-1: U.S. Entry into World War II The United States gradually abandoned neutrality as events in Europe and Asia pulled the nations toward war.

The War in Europe Start of the War Blitzkrieg Attacks Hitler’s invasion of Poland (1939) Soviet Union also invaded Poland Blitzkrieg Attacks German quickly overran France German air bombardment (Battle of Britain) German invasion of the Soviet Union (1941)

The War in Asia Japanese Attacks Oil Embargo In 1930s, Japan sought economic and military domination in Asia Japan invaded and brutalized Manchuria and China U.S. did not recognize conquests Oil Embargo U.S. imposed an embargo on oil and steel exports to Japan Tensions rose but both sides negotiated to avoid war

U.S. Policy Neutrality U.S. officially neutral during first two years of World War II Strong isolationist sentiment

U.S. Policy Arsenal of Democracy Cash and Carry (1939) The U.S. increasingly helped Britain, but they had to buy and retrieve supplies themselves Destroyers for Bases (1940) The U.S. gave Britain war supplies and old warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean Lend-Lease (1941) President Roosevelt given authority to sell or lend equipment to any country defending themselves against the Axis powers

U.S. Policy Pearl Harbor Bombing During embargo negotiations, Japan carried out surprise air attack December 7th, 1941— “a date that will live in infamy” Destroyed much of Pacific fleet and killed thousands of U.S. sailors U.S. declared war on Japan Japan, Germany declared war on U.S.

Opposing Sides Axis Powers Germany Japan Gain control of Soviet oil fields to defeat USSR quickly Force Britain out of the war through bombing and submarine warfare Prevent U.S. industrial and military strength from intervening Japan Invade Philippines and Indonesia Capture Australia and Hawaii Force U.S. to accept Japanese dominance instead of conducting a costly war

Opposing Sides Allied Powers Europe Pacific “Defeat Hitler First” Most US military resources were targeted for Europe Pacific Cut off Japanese supplies through submarine warfare against shipping industry “Island Hopping” to use airstrips as bases for air attacks against Japan

How did the United States respond to increasing totalitarian aggression in Europe and Asia? What caused America’s gradual abandonment of its policy of neutrality? What was the overall strategy of America and its allies in World War II? How did America’s strategy during World War II reflect available resources and the geographical scope of the conflict?