1. Chapter 11 Lesson 2
From Neutrality to War

2. American Neutrality The Nye Committee
Accusations emerged that arms manufacturers had tricked the U.S. into entering WORLD WAR 1 (war profiteering)
In 1934, Senator Gerald Nye held hearings to investigate
The NYE COMMITTEE report documented the huge profits that arms factories had made during the war
Many Americans turned toward isolationism as a result of these findings…

3. Americans Debate Involvement
Internationalists
Those that followed a policy of actively trading with foreign countries to foster peace and prosperity
Isolationists
Opposed American Involvement in European War

4. America Takes Steps Towards War
Legislating Neutrality – In response to growing tension and the onset of Italian and German aggression in Europe, Congress passed a series of laws which aimed at limiting American involvement in foreign conflicts.
Neutrality Act 1935 – America could not sell arms to any countries at war
Neutrality Act of 1936 – Congress made it unlawful for the United States to sell arms to nations involved in the Spanish Civil War
Neutrality Act of 1937 – Continued the ban on selling weapons to warring nations, and required all NON-military supplies from the United States on a “cash and carry” basis
Neutrality Act 1939 – allowed for “cash and carry” approach to the buying & selling weapons from the United States
By December of 1940, Great Britain had run out of funds to fight the war. President Roosevelt proposed a law that would allow the United States to lend weapons to any nation that is “vital to the defense of the United States.”
Lend-Lease Act – provided aide to allies; moved the U.S. closer to war
Allies could pay the U.S. back AFTER the war
In August of 1941, Roosevelt and Churchill met and committed to a plan for a peaceful post-WW2
The Atlantic Charter – Churchill and FDR meet; deepens alliance between U.S. & Britain

5. U. S. Lend-Lease Act, 1941
Great Britain $31 billion Soviet Union $11 billion France $3 billion China $1.5 billion Other European $500 million South America $400 million The amount totaled: $48,601,365,000

6. Lend-Lease

7. Lend-Lease Act

8. The Atlantic Charter
Roosevelt and Churchill sign treaty of friendship in August 1941.
Solidifies alliance.
Fashioned after Wilson’s 14 Points.
Calls for League of Nations type organization.

9. America Enters the War What brought America into WW2?
On DECEMBER 7, 1941….JAPAN ATTACKED PEARL HARBOR!

10. Empire of Japan Wanted more land/territory for growing population
Militarists took over government in 1930s
These military leaders believed they needed to
Invade other Asian nations for Natural Resources in
Order to survive.
The goal was to expand the Empire of Japan

11. Hideki Tojo Imperial Commander of Japanese Army
Became Prime Minister of Japan in 1941
Really in control of the Japanese government (not Emperor Hirohito)

12. Invasion of China
Japan invaded Manchuria (Northern Chinese Province) in 1931
1937 – Japanese military swept through China
killed as many as 300,000 in the city of Nanking
Became known as the “Rape of Nanking”
Wanted to control natural resources

13. Rape of Nanking

14. American Response Economic Sanctions Japan Responds –
Keep Japan from strategic materials from US – this included scrap iron, steel, airplane fuel, OIL!
Will render the Japanese navy ineffective
Japan ignores = continues to invade and occupy much of Pacific islands, Indochina, & Asia
Japan Responds –
November 1941: Six Japanese aircraft carriers, two battleships, and several other warships set out for Hawaii
November 27, 1941: Commanders at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base received a warning from Washington, DC (it did not mention Hawaii as a possible target however)
December 7, 1941 “A Date which will live in infamy”
Pearl Harbor Naval Base was attacked by the Empire of Japan
Eight Battleships, three cruisers, three destroyers, and four other vessels were sunk or destroyed, as well as 180 aircraft
2,403 Americans lost their lives
December 8, 1941 – Congress declares war on Japan (and her allies)

15. Where Was WWII fought? First truly global war
Two main theatres of operation:
European/Atlantic
Asian/Pacific
*North Africa = 3rd campaign area
Combat took place on land, sea, and air