The Rise of Dictators and the World’s Response Unit 9, Lesson 1

Essential Idea As fascist government became imperialistic, the world, including the United States, reacted insufficiently to stop it.

American Foreign Policy in the 1920s Isolationism Leaving Latin America Peace conferences Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) Fragile peace Isolationism- during the 1920s and 1930s, the prevailing opinion of the American people was that the United States should stay out of foreign affairs, a view which was labeled as isolationism. For example, America had stayed out of the League of Nations. Leaving Latin America- As president, Hoover had ended America’s interventionist policies that had been practiced by Taft and Wilson by removing all American troops from Nicaragua in 1933 and Haiti in 1934. Peace conferences- the “isolationist” label is not entirely accurate for describing American foreign policy during the 20s and 30s. America largely did avoid foreign entanglements (for example largely ignoring the rise of dictatorial governments in Europe and Asia). However, America also took part in many “peace conferences” that did not entangle America in political or economic alliances, but rather served as “moral efforts” for world peace and stability. Kellogg-Briand Pact- this pact was the most idealistic of the world peace efforts, in which America and many other countries “outlawed” wars that were not defensive. Fragile peace- this peace was very fragile, however. Aggressive nations, especially Italy, Germany, and Japan (future Axis powers) took advantage of the world’s unwillingness to fight following WWI to expand with little resistance. *Preoccupation with the Great Depression made most Americans unwilling to support entry into war, even if one were to break out in Europe.

Japanese Aggression Invasion of Manchuria League of Nations response Stimson Doctrine (1932) Invasion of Manchuria- in 1931, Japan defied Open Door policy and its covenant with the League of Nations by invading Manchuria. Japan’s response to the worldwide economic depression was to take over land, which would give it access to more natural resources—iron, tin, and oil especially. League of Nations response- all the League of Nations did in response was pass a resolution against Japan’s actions, which had not enforcement capabilities. Japan responded by simply quitting the League of Nations. The weakness of the League of Nations was shown here through their inability to enforce decisions, and the League would never again be taken seriously. Stimson Doctrine- Secretary of State Henry Stimson decried the violation of the Open Door Policy and stated the America would refuse to recognize the legitimacy of any regime that had been established through force. (Manchuria had been renamed “Manchukuo” and had become a puppet government of Japan) However, the Stimson Doctrine, like the League of Nations, carried little weight and received no respect from Japan.

FDR and Latin America Dollar Diplomacy “Good Neighbor Policy” (1933) Pan-American conferences Cuba Dollar diplomacy- Under FDR, military intervention based on economic investments in other countries no longer made sense during the Great Depression because businesses no longer had the resources to invest abroad heavily. FDR also felt that Germany and Italy, who were become aggressive under their dictators, deserved more attention than Latin America. “Good Neighbor Policy”- FDR pursued this policy toward Latin America in an effort to improve relations. Pan-American Conference- at the Pan-American Conference in 1933, FDR essentially nullified the Roosevelt Corollary (and Taft and Wilson’s foreign policies) by pledging that America would never again intervene in the internal affairs of Latin American countries. At a later conference, FDR also warned aggressor European nations that, should they attack in the Western Hemisphere, they could expect a united retaliation. Cuba- in 1934, FDR convinced Congress to nullify the Platt Amendment and give Cuba full independence, with the only exception being America’s righ to keep the naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

FDR and International Trade London Economic Conference (1933) Soviet Union (1933) Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934) Reciprocal Trade Agreements London Economic Conference- at this conference, 66 nations met in an effort to help bring the world out of the global depression. However, FDR objected to the terms of this conference because they would undermine his efforts to help the U.S. depression. FDR pulled out of the conference in “every man for himself” style, which plunged the world further into depression (so that he could help the U.S. out of the depression) Given that international trade was already at a stand-still, this event strengthened the trends of nationalism in the world as each nation pushed to secure its own well-being. Soviet Union- in the 1920s, Republican presidents had refused to recognize the Communist government of the Soviet Union. FDR reversed this trend in 1933, fully recognizing the Soviet Union, saying it was a measure to boost international trade and help the economy. *this improved relationship would prove vital when the two countries became allied against the Axis powers during WW2 Tyding-McDuffie Act- maintaining control over the Philippines was expensive and was perceived as an unnecessary expense. This law allowed for the gradual removal of U.S. troops and complete independence in 1946. Reciprocal Trade Agreements- this was basically the antithesis of the Republican policies of raising tariffs to help the American economy. Congress allowed FDR to lower tariffs up to 50% with nations that agreed to do the same, which helped spur more international trading.

Joseph Stalin Joseph Stalin Farm collectives Concentration camps Industrialization Joseph Stalin- Stalin took over after the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1924 and gradually consolidated more and more power to himself. Farm collectives- Stalin organized agriculture into government run farm collectives. Those who did not take part were unable to get needed supplies and ultimately many starved to death. Concentation camps- In 1936, he began to purge all opposition to his power. He killed millions (more than Hitler even) who were deemed enemies of his government. Stalin would have groups of people executed, sometimes entire towns. Many dissidents were arrested and sent to work in Siberian concentration camps, where they ultimately died. When Stalin had people killed, he often erased all record of their existence, as seen in the two photos above. Industrialization- Stalin’s name meant “man of steel,” which was appropriate due to his strong rule and the fact that he rapidly industrialized the Soviet Union. This industrialization would help Stalin fight Hitler later in WW2.

The Rise of Fascism: Italy Comparison to communism Italy Benito Mussolini (1922) Fascism- this is a government type characterized by complete devotion to the government and nation at the expense of individuality. This type of government has a very oppressive government that squashes all dissidents. Fascist governments’ nationalism also lead to aggressive military and territorial expansion. Fascism became the dominant government type in the Axis powers of Italy, Germany, and, for the most part, in Japan. Communism- though both fascism and communism include vast government control of society, the two have key differences. Ultimately, a communist government is supposed to ensure the well-being of the citizens through government control over resources and the distribution of the resources. This government type is open to dictatorships since the government is given so much control—which happens with Stalin. Under fascist governments, the citizens are devoted to the well-being of the state. The needs of the people are subservient to the health of the state. This government type is open to a dictatorship as well, since the ultimate devotion of the people go to the leader of the country, who is seen as the embodiment of the people and government. (Andrew Jackson?!) Fascist leaders hated communism because they viewed it as a government that encouraged weakness. Even weak citizens would benefit, since there was no need for economic competition due to government controls. With fascism, strength was emphasized, and those who were weak could even be killed (like in Hitler’s eugenics programs and the Holocaust, which were executed on the idea of purified the strongest race, the Aryans) Italy- in 1922, fascism took Italy. Benito Mussolini- Mussolini and his fascist militia, the “black shirts,” marched on Rome and demanded power by claiming that communism was threatening the country. In order to prevent a civil war from breaking out, the monarch of Italy gave in to Mussolini’s demands. Mussolini became dictator of Italy in 1922 (nicknamed “Il Duce”— “The Leader”)

The Rise of Fascism: Japan Military dictatorship Emperor Hirohito Response to Great Depression Military dictatorship- the Japanese government was essentially run by the Japanese military, which encouraged fascist ideologies such as ultra-nationalism and extreme loyalty to the leaders. Emperor Hirohito- more accurately, Hirohito was a puppet leader while the true authority was in the hands of the Japanese military. Japanese citizens literally viewed Hirohito as a god and followed him without question. Japanese nationalism was so extreme that most would rather die than be defeated in war, making WW2 difficult to end with Japan. Response to the Great Depression- Japan’s response to the worldwide economic depression was to take over land, which would give it access to more natural resources—iron, tin, and oil especially. Japan took over Manchuria and other areas in Southeast Asia.

The Rise of Fascism: Germany Nazi party Adolf Hitler Background Beer Hall Putsch Mein Kampf Nazi party- the Nazi party was Germany’s equivalent to Italy’s fascist party (the Black Shirts). The party arose in response to the poor economic conditions in Germany, which were worse during the Great Depression than in other parts of the world because of the punishing aspects of the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazis were highly nationalistic and blamed Jews for the conditions (said they horded the good jobs and money). This anti-Semitic view would factor heavily into Hitler’s eventual rule (most majorly, the Holocaust) Adolf Hitler- Background- Hitler had fought in World War I for Germany and had grown up with fierce German nationalism and fierce anti-Semitism. Beer Hall Putsch- Hitler and other Nazis attempted to overthrow the local government in Munich and failed. Rather than being executed for treason, Hitler received a light jail sentence (around five years?) Mein Kampf- while in prison, Hitler penned a book describing his Nazi and anti-Semitic ideology (using social Darwinism) and laid out his plan for a future German empire.

Hitler Takes Power Nazis gain influence Hitler becomes Chancellor Reichstag fire Enabling Act (1933) Rome-Berlin Axis (1936) The Rise of Dictatorships Nazis gain influence- as the German depression worsened, citizens grew more desperate and eventually began voting for Nazis, whose influence in the German legislature (the Reichstag) steadily grew. Nazi’s promoted nationalism and prosperity, and both promises could and would be delivered (prosperity through a military build up that caused an economic boom) Hitler becomes chancellor- in 1933 Hitler became Chancellor of Germany by order of the German President Hindenburg. (similar to Speaker of the House?) Hitler grew frustrated with the Reichstag and asked Hindenburg to dissolve it. Reichstag fire- In late February of 1933, the Reichstag burned, and many blamed it on a communist plot (though it was likely the Nazis themselves that started it in order to incite panic and grab power) Hindenburg suspended many basic rights as chaos ensued. Enabling Act- when the Reichstag assembled (new building?) after the fire, they voted to give Hitler and his cabinet full legislative powers. The loss of rights following the Reichstag fire plus the Enabling Act essentially gave Hitler a dictatorship as he took control of both the legislative and executive branches. (this fully happened when Hindenburg died the next year, in 1934) Rome-Berlin Axis- Hitler withdrew Germany from the League of Nations, began violating the Treaty of Versailles by militarizing Germany, and formally allying with Mussolini. Italy and Germany joined to become the Axis powers, which Japan would later join.

German Jews The Aryan race Eugenics Nuremberg Laws (1935) Kristallnacht (November 9, 1938) The Aryan Race- the Nazis and Hitler believed in a “master race” of blue-eyed, blonde-haired Germans called Aryans. Hitler regarded other groups, especially the Jews and inferior and as a threat to the purity of the blood of the German state. Eugenics- Hitler instituted eugenics programs early on, forcibly sterilizing “undesirables” (America did this too, it should be noted) Physically and mentally handicapped people were often sent to special “hospitals,” where they were sterilized or sometimes mysteriously died. Nuremberg Laws- in some ways similar to the South’s Jim Crow laws, this laws discriminated against Jews. Jews could not hold certain higher class jobs and could not marry Germans, for example. Jews were required to wear a yellow star (of David) on their clothing to designate that they were Jewish. Discrimination againt Jews grew more as time went on. Kristallnacht- means “night of broken glass”—this refers to the destruction of thousands of Jewish businesses and synagogues that occurred and was executed by Nazi stormtroopers under the orders of the Nazi minister of propaganda, Joseph Goebbels. This destruction was blamed on the Jews, even though they were the victims, and thousands were transported to concentration camps.

Analyze (note money, facial expression, whip, communism, etc.)

Jewish Emigration Mass exodus Foreign response The St. Louis Failed Emigration Mass exodus- many Jews tried to escape Hitler by moving to other countries (emigration) Many Jewish scientists moved the the United States, including Albert Einstein—ironically, the war was ultimately won with the use of the atomic bomb, which was developed largely with the help of the Jewish refugee scientists. Foreign response- many countries turned Jews away for various reasons: nativism, anti-Semitism, fear of immigrants taking jobs, etc. The St. Louis- this ship tragically was turned away by the United States, and many of its 937 passengers returned to Europe to die in the Holocaust.

Jewish Segregation Ghettos Conditions Mobile killing squads Ghettos- Jews were eventually segregated into ghettos within the cities. Here, they were kept away from the German population. Conditions- In some ways these ghettos were similar to American Indian reservations. Supplies were regulated by the government and oftentimes Jews were used as policemen of the ghettos. Conditions were terrible. Food supplies were low and many people died due to disease and malnutrition (INSERT PIC FROM REG U.S. OF CHILD ON STREET) Mobile killing squads- periodically, Nazi officials would kill groups of Jews and bury them in mass graves. Emigration had not fixed the “Jewish problem,” and even with segregation, the Germans had to “put up” with the presence of Jews. The mobile killing squads killed many Jews, but the Nazis would eventually turn to using death/concentration camps to enact the “final solution”--systematic extermination (genocide).

The “Final Solution” Concentration camps Death camps Legacy Concentration camps- Jews were brought in by train and forced into slave labor at these camps, often dying in the process from exhaustion and malnutrition or at the whim of an angry guard. Death camps- some camps were specifically built for systematically killing Jews, typically through the use of gas chambers. Legacy- the Holocaust is one of the worst examples of genocide in human history. Six million Jews, along with many homosexuals, mentally handicapped, and gypsies were killed by the end of this event.

Fascist Dictatorships Expand Italy Ethiopia (1935) Japan China (1937) Italy- under Mussolini, fascist Italy expanded Ethiopia- in 1935, Mussolini ordered troops to invade Ethiopia. Both the League of Nations and the United States objected but did nothing to stop it. Ethiopia fell to Italy within a year. Japan- China- in 1937, all out war broke out between China and Japan when Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China One U.S. gunboat in China, the Panay, was sunk by Japanese planes. Japan quickly apologized, and the United States, eager to maintain peace, quickly accepted the apology. (also, selling war materials to either of the countries would help the American economy)

What is the difference between Germany prior to WWI and after the Treaty of Versailles? Were the new borders drawn according to ethnicities or national identities? What countries might Hitler want to invade in order to get “old Germany” back?

Germany Expands Impact of Treaty of Versailles Germany militarizes Rhineland (1936) Anschluss (1938) Sudetenland (1938) Hitler’s justification Impact of the Treaty of Versailles- in many ways, the Versailles Treaty can be seen as a cause for WW2. The terms of the treaty thrust Germany into a terrible depression (having to pay reparations) that caused citizens to vote in the extremist Nazis, who promised to create jobs and help the German economy (they made good on this promise by employing millions in the efforts to re-militarize the German army) Also, the treaty stripped Germany of much of its land and its citizens. When the nationalistic Nazis took over, Hitler was motivated to invade countries that contained Germans and ex-German land. Hitler claimed to be reunited the German people. Germany militarizes- Hitler, in violation of the Versailles Treaty, began to aggressively militarize. He built the most powerful air force in Europe, the Luftwaffe. Overall, Germany’s war machine would become a significant challenge to the rest of Europe, especially because the other countries did little to stop its initial growth for fear of starting war (which came anyway) Rhineland- this region was located in Germany along the French border and was supposed to be permanently demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler openly defied this agreement in 1936 by ordering German troops into the region--making France very nervous. Anschluss- in March of 1938, Germany marched into Austria in a bloodless take over and announced the unification of Germany and Austria (this was Hitler’s home country and home to many Germans who were happy to be reunited with Germany) Again, other European powers, especially France and England, did nothing, hoping that Hitler would be satisfied. Sudetenland- this section of Czechoslovakia contained many Germans (and had been taken from Germany by the Versailles Treaty). Hitler demanded this land, and England and France sought a conference to work out a deal with Hitler. Hitler’s justification- Hitler claimed to be seeking to reunify the German people, though he would end up eventually taking all of Czechoslovakia, not just the Sudetenland.

Europe’s Weak Response Munich Conference (1938) Appeasement Neville Chamberlain Munich Conference- held in Munich, Germany, England and France (along with Germany and Italy) met to discuss Hitler’s demand for the Sudetenland. Appeasement- in an effort to avoid war, France and England agreed to allow Hitler to have the land he wanted as long as he promised it was the last of his territorial endeavors. This policy of appeasement was made out of fear of war, and Hitler exploited this fear by lying and saying he would pursue no more expansion. Neville Chamberlain- the British Prime Minister returned to England as a hero, proclaiming that peace had finally been established (though the next year, Hitler would break the Munich Agreement and invade Poland, starting World War 2)

World War II Begins Non-Aggression Pact (Hitler-Stalin Pact, 1939) Lead-up to War Hitler invades Poland (September 1, 1939) Blitzkrieg Non-Aggression Pact- Hitler was emboldened by France and England’s reluctance to fight and willingness to appease him. Hitler knew that if he invaded Poland and France and England declared war, he could success in fighting as long as the Soviet Union (on the other side of Poland) did not get involved as well. In 1939, Hitler shocked the world by announcing a “non-aggression” pact with the Soviet Union—people were shocked because Hitler and other fascists HATED communism. Hitler was able to get Stalin to agree to this agreement not to fight by secretly promising part of Poland to the Soviet Union once he had conquered it. Hitler invades Poland- Hitler’s invasion began on September 1, 1939, beginning World War II. Hitler claimed to be, again, reuniting German areas to Germany (especially the city of Danzig; he also wanted direct access to East Prussia, and German area on the other side of Poland) France and England declared war on Germany, and the Soviet Union stayed out of it because of the non-aggression pact. (helped take Poland but did not fight France or England) Poland fell the Germany in just a month. Blitzkrieg- Germany’s used this war tactic to overwhelm and quickly dismantle an opponent. Massive frontal assaults with tanks were joined with aerial bombings and the deployment of paratroops behind enemy lines to quickly surround opponents.

Analyze.

World War II Begins

Germany on the Offensive Winston Churchill Invading France Miracle at Dunkirk Dunkirk Winston Churchill- Churchill replaced Chamberlain as prime minister. Churchill was much more aggressive, and had been calling for stopping Hitler long before many others had. Invading France- France built up fortifications along the French-German border (called the Maginot Line), similar to how they had done in WWI. Just like in WWI, Germany went around this line by invading Belgium. Miracle at Dunkirk- British and French forces were overwhelmed and pushed back to the French port city of Dunkirk. Here, with their backs against the English Channel, the Allies desperately needed a rescue, or else they would be captured or killed by German forces. Churchill, an inspirational leader, called on the British people to sent whatever boats they could across the English Channel to save the troops, which they did, miraculously. Because of the action of the British people under Churchill’s leadership, hundreds of thousands of troops were saved, though their military equipment fell into German hands (easier to replace equipment than soldiers, however) France fell to Germany, and the only force left to resist Hitler in Europe was England.

Britain vs. Germany Battle of Britain Britain Battle of Britain- Hitler began flying his air force, the Luftwaffe, over England, dropping bombs on civilian targets such as London. Britain Royal Air Force (REF) was able to withstand German assaults despite being half the size because of the advantages given by a new technology—radar. Britain was able to withstand Hitler’s invasion attempt, and the for the first time Hitler withdrew without success. Britain became the last European hope for defeating Hitler.

American Response Isolationists The Nye Committee (1934) Neutrality Acts (1935, 1936, 1937) FDR’s Quarantine Speech Public reaction American Isolationists *the vast majority of Americans, though shocked and dismayed by events in Europe, called for staying out of the war Isolationists- Americans were also nationalistic, though it was expressed far differently from the way fascists and militarists expressed it. Ameicans overwhelmingly were anti-fascism, anti-Hitler, and anti-Axix powers, but they did not want to get personally involved in stopping their aggression. Americans wanted to make sure that they were never drawn into a foreign war again, and adopted a isolationist foreign policy. The Nye Committee- this congressional committee concluded that the main reason for the U.S. participation in WWI was to serve the greed of bankers and arms manufacturers (though to say that they groups profited does not necessarily mean that the CAUSED the war). These findings further inspired Americans to adopt an isolationist foreign policy. Neutrality Acts- before the war even broke out, American legislators (from both parties) pushed through isolationist laws to ensure America would not get involved if there was a second world war. These acts: authorized the president to prohibit all arms shipments and to forbid U.S. citizens to travel on the ships of belligerent nations (1935—trying to avoid another Lusitania?), forbade the extension of loans and credits to belligerents (1936), and forbade the shipment of arms to the opposing sides of a civil war that was breaking out in Spain (1937). In all, these acts basically forbade the SELLING of ARMS to countries at WAR. (lots of loopholes here) FDR’s Quarantine Speech- FDR was not isolationist, and felt that America must get involved before it was too late to stop the growing menace overseas, which put him at odds with the American people, many of whom began to view the president as a warmonger. In 1937, FDR made a speech regarding the recent aggressive moves by fascist governments and suggested that democracies made “positive endeavors to quarantine” the aggressor nations. Public reaction- the American people, mostly isolationists, responded in a very negative way, as they worried that a quarantine would eventually lead to a war. The reaction surprised FDR, who backed off the idea and began to pursue more indirect ways of curbing the rising dictatorships.

American Isolationism Francisco Franco Spain falls to fascism (1939) Francisco Franco- civil war broke out in Spain in 1936, with the contest between fascist forces led by Francisco Franco against those who supported republicanism (known as the Loyalists, whom most Americans supported) Spain falls to fascism- however, FDR’s hands were tied by the Neutrality Acts, and in 1939, Spain came under the rule of Franco’s military dictatorship.

“Neutrality” Evolves Preparedness Help Britain? “Cash and carry” (Neutrality Act of 1939) Preparedness- FDR was able to successfully argue for “preparedness” in case of war. By proposing an arms buildup as a DEFENSIVE measure, FDR was able to get congress to increase military and naval budgets by nearly 2/3. Help Britain?- While many Americans agreed that U.S. defenses needed strengthening, the issue of giving aid to Britain was hotly debated. FDR saw Britain as vital as the only remaining ally in Europe and as the only power left in Europe resisting Hitler successfully. “Cash and carry”- Britain still held naval dominance in Europe, even over Hitler. Therefore, if American ended her “arms embargo,” they could help England and not Germany without technically losing status as “neutral.” A new neutrality act in 1939 lessened restrictions and allowed a belligerent nation to buy U.S. arms if it was purchased with cash and carried by that country’s ships (and since Britain dominated the seas, this act really just helped Britain and not Germany) By making countries (England) pay in cash, the problem of war debts could be avoided, though it would be difficult for England to buy much without buying on credit.

“Neutrality” Evolves Selective Training and Service Act (1940) “Destroyers for bases” deal Selective Training and Service Act- neutrality evolved more toward intervention (at least, preparation for intervention) with the passage of this act. This was the first peacetime draft in American history, required all males between the ages of 21 and 35 to register for a draft and receive military training. “Destroyers for bases” deal- in September of 1940, Germany submarines were threatening British naval dominance. Roosevelt could not directly sell warships to Britain for fear of arousing the isolationists’ wrath. Rather than SELL warships, FDR traded warships to Britain in exchange for permission to build military bases on British islands in the Caribbean. FDR did this without even waiting for Congressional approval.

Election of 1940 A third term? Wendell Willkie FDR’s campaign Results A third term?- FDR became the first president to seek a third term in 1940, doing so under the reasoning that a change in leadership was a bad idea under such tense times. (better to have experienced leaders, not new ones) Wendell Willkie- the Republicans put forth Wendell Willkie, who had no experience but had a very magnetic personality. Willkie campaigned largely on the excesses and inefficiencies of the New Deal, though he, a liberal himself, agreed with the idea of the New Deal in general. In terms of foreign policy, both were for building American defenses while staying neutral. The most contrast that Willkie could make with FDR was being against a third term. FDR’s campaign- FDR had to walk a thin line. He felt he must do more to help the Allies but at the same time he could not alienate isolationist voters. If he did what he felt was needed to stop the Axis, he would lose the election and deliver the country to an inexperienced leader on the eve of war. If he did not help the Allies, he would win the election just in time to see Hitler, more powerful than ever, attacking the United States. FDR campaigned on the promise of keeping American men out of the war, a promise he would soon break. Results- FDR won by a landslide again, though not as decisively as in the past. (he was also aided by the fact that the economy was benefitting from the production of war materials for the Allies.

Creating an “Arsenal of Democracy” “Four Freedoms” speech Getting around the Neutrality Acts Lend-Lease Act (1941) Lend-Lease Atlantic Charter (1941) The Greer “Four freedoms” speech- as president-elect for the third term, FDR made this speech proposed making loans to Britain in defense of the four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, freedom from fear. Getting around the Neutrality Acts- though the acts collectively kept FDR from SELLING war materials to countries at WAR, he found loopholes (selling war materials to countries not in DECLARED wars, finding alternative ways to get war materials to countries besides SELLING them) Lend-Lease Act- under this act, FDR pushed to allow Britain to get war materials on credit, rather than buying them. FDR basically proposed “loaning” war materials rather than selling them. The movement to help Britain was gaining momentum, so the isolationist uproar over the Lend-Lease Act was not enough to stop its passage. America began lending military supplies to countries at war (soon China as well) Atlantic Charter- FDR and Churchill met secretly to agree to the Atlantic Charter, in which they agreed to post war terms, should America enter the war. Both agreed to allow for self-determination for all people, not territorial expansion, and free trade (low tariffs?). The Greer- American ships began escorting British ships carrying lend-lease aid. On September 4, 1941, a German submarine sank this American destroyer, the Greer (the Greer had been hunting this submarine) FDR ordered a “shoot on sight” policy toward German submarines, essentially starting an undeclared naval war against Germany.

Analyze. T he proud but desperate British prime minister, Winston Churchill, declared in early 1941, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” Lend-lease eventually provided the British and other Allies with $50 billion worth of “tools.”

FDR vs. the American People? FDR’s Critics America First Committee A Nation Divided FDR’s Critics- many people saw FDR as a warmonger, especially the isolationists. They saw FDR’s actions as sneaky ways to pull America into war. America First Committee- alarmed by FDR’s pro-British policies, this group formed to push for isolationism. Public speakers, most notable Charles Lindbergh, traveled the country giving speeches against getting involved in European wars.