1. America Moves Toward War

2. Big Questions
As we discuss the steps the United States took to help its allies before going to war, think about the following:
Did the United States abandon its neutrality too late? Should the United States have done more to help its allies in the early stages of the war, or did FDR make the right decisions?

3. The United States Musters Its Forces
Neutrality Acts
“cash and carry”
Peacetime Draft
Third Term
Too little to late?

4. The Axis Powers Axis Powers Tripartite Pact
This alliance was formed to discourage the United States from entering the war; if US attacked any of them, the rest would come to help

5. The Great Arsenal of Democracy
What happens if Great Britain Falls?
Lend-lease agreement – US would lend war material to any country whose defense was important to protecting the US – Great Britain, Soviet Union, and eventually China

6. Hitler Invades the Soviet Union
In June 1941, Hitler broke his non-aggression pact with Soviet Union and invaded it
Soon Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin will all be allies – Allied Powers

7. Churchill + FDR Atlantic Charter No territorial expansion
No territorial changes without consent of inhabitants
Respect the right of people to choose their own form of gov.
Promote free trade among nations
Encourage international cooperation to improve peoples lives
Build a secure peace based on freedom from want and fear
Work for the disarmament of aggressors
Establish a permanent system of general security

8. Japanese Ambitions in the Pacific Ocean
Japanese started by invading China (Manchuria) European colonies in Aisa
US in way
US cuts of trade esp. oil
If Japan couldn’t re-establish the flow of oil to its country, then they would lose the war without ever being defeated in battle

9. War Is Coming…
Hideki Tojo promised to Japanese emperor that Japan would avoid war with United States if possible
November 5, 1941 – Tojo orders Japanese navy to prepare for an attack on the United States
US broke Japanese codes and was reading their messages
December 6, 1941 – US intercepts message to Japanese peace envoy to reject all American peace proposals
FDR – “This means war.”

10. Japanese Attack Pearl Harbor