The U.S. Before WWII The Lend/Lease Act

Today’s Big Idea How did the Lend/lease Act increase the power of the federal government, the executive branch and more importantly, the President?

Allied Powers: Weak Arsenal Tipping the scales Axis Powers: Huge War Machine Germany, Italy, Hungary, Romania (Japan) Allied Powers: Weak Arsenal Great Brittan, France, Soviet Union

Europe At War -US citizens wanted to stay out of Europe, war. -Congress feared increased presidential power is we were to go to war -FDR and Winston Churchill very close -FDR feared that if he did not help, Great Brittan and her allies would fall and the Axis powers would win.

FDR’s Garden Hose Press Conference Dec 17, 1940 The Set up Suppose my neighbor's home catches fire, and I have a length of garden hose four or five hundred feet away. If he can take my garden hose and connect it up with his hydrant, I may help him to put out his fire. Now, what do I do? I don't say to him before that operation, "Neighbor, my garden hose cost me $15; you have to pay me $15 for it." What is the transaction that goes on? I don't want $15--I want my garden hose back after the fire is over.

Fire side Chat December 29, 1940 The Pitch Fireside Chat #16

Questions to Ponder Who threatens America and the world? Who is fighting to hold off and defeat that threat? What do the people who are defending themselves ask of the United States? How can the United States aid the defenders of Democracy? Why should management and labor get along without strikes or lockouts? Who will decide if the production of consumer or luxury goods needs to yield to defense production? What alternative does Roosevelt pose to arming Britain and other democracies?

Congress Passes the lend/lease act March 11, 1941 Sweeping Power to FDR Ability to Sell, Transfer, Exchange, or Lend He chose what countries needed Who Receives Aid What kind of aid (Weapons, Food even Factories) What is equipment (Food to Factories) FDR could demand increased domestic production

Impacts Intended only for Great Brittan In months expanded to USSR and China Billions and Billions Some Powers continued to future Presidents Lasting Impacts on role of Presidency

Assuring the People Very bold and controversial FDR promoted like is New Deal Programs Activity shows official photos used to promote the program What do you think they will look like

Up Next Pearl Harbor