World War II America Moves Toward War

Neutrality Act of 1939 U.S. supplied arms to its Allies, “cash and carry” basis.

Tripartite Pact In 1940 Japan joins Germany and Italy forming the “Axis of Evil.” Goal was to keep U.S. out of war.

Lend – Lease Act The U.S. would supply war supplies to Britain and worry about payment later. “Like lending a fire hose to a neighbor whose house is burning,” FDR.

America helps Stalin In 1941 Hitler broke agreement he made with Stalin in 1939 and invaded the Soviet Union. Supplies from the U.S. were sent.

Hideki Tojo Leader of the Japanese movement.

Manchuria Japan invades Manchuria – a region in N. China rich in minerals (1931). They invade China in 1937.

Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 In 1940 the U.S. stopped selling airplanes, metal, and oil to Japan. The U.S. naval fleet in Hawaii stood in Japans way to dominate the Pacific.

3 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor that killed 2400 people the U.S. declares war on Japan and Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S.