1. From Isolationism to WWII: The Tug o’ War “The real story of history is about regular people trying to take care of their families and not die.” —  John Green (Crash Course - American History - Episode 4)

2. Crash Course WWII https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Objoad6rG6U
Beginning to 5:31

3. U.S./World Response to German Remilitarizing: 1933
The League of Nations lodged a formal protest against these actions but refused to consider sanctions against Germany.
The League of Nations was weakened by the U.S. not joining it.

4. U.S./World Response to Italian Invasion of Ethiopia: 1935
Ethiopia appealed to the League for help. The League voted to impose economic sanctions, including an oil embargo. FDR refused.
Congress passed the Neutrality Act of 1935 to keep us out of the conflict
(President can prohibit all arms shipments to belligerents and forbid U.S. citizens to travel on those ships).

5. U.S. Response Spanish Civil War: 1936
Although some volunteers including 3,000 Americans, fought against Nationalists, only the Soviet Union officially helped.
The US Congress passed the Neutrality Acts in 1936 and 1937 which kept us out of the conflict.
(forbade the extension of loans and credits to belligerents and forbade the shipment of arms to the opposing sides in the Spanish civil war)

6. U.S. Response to Japan invading China: 1937
Roosevelt states in the Quarantine speech that he believes democratic nations should should act together against aggressors; American public rejects the idea.

7. U.S./World Response to German Anschluss:1938
Britain and France use the policy of Appeasement (giving into a hostile nation to avoid conflict)
U.S. adopts “Preparedness” (Neutrality+Security) = FDR requests increase 2/3 increase in military and naval budget

8. U.S./World response to Munich Agreement: 1938
Britain and France agree to allow Hitler to annex the Sudentenland with promise not to invade again.
Seen as high point of appeasement.

9. U.S./World Response to German invasion of Czechoslovakia: 1939
Britain and France furious over Hitler’s breaking of the Munich Pact; threaten that future attacks could start a war; however, they do NOT come to Czechoslovakia’s aid.
U.S. isolationism

10. U.S. Response to Germany’s invasion of Poland: 1939
Britain and France declare war on Germany.
FDR convinces Congress to change the nation’s neutrality laws: U.S. Cash and Carry
Belligerents can purchase U.S. arms if they paid for in cash and picked up in their own ships.

11. U.S. Response to France falls to Germany; Britain alone! 1940-41
U.S. passes the Selective Training and Service Act: men ages can register; 1.2 million troops were trained

12. U.S. Response to Germany attacks Britain: 1940
FDR gives Four Freedoms address to Congress Jan 1941, Congress, trying to promote why America needs to be vigilant against nations who are denying freedom.
Congress also passes the Lend-Lease Act: that allows America to give Britain US arms on credit.

13. U.S. Response to Axis Powers created: 1940
FDR gives the “Arsenal for Democracy” fireside chat to rally the American people to support the Allies. Also, the US begins a Trade embargo to prohibit the export of scrap iron and steel to all nations except Britain and the Western Hemisphere.

14. U.S. Response to Hitler’s invasion of U.S.S.R.: 1941
Stalin turns to the Allies for support and asks the US to extend Lend-Lease to the Soviets.

15. U.S. Response to Wolf Pack Attacks on the U.S.
FDR authorizes the navy to “shoot on sight” any German submarines. FDR and English Prime Minister Churchill secretly meet and sign the Atlantic Charter and to set common goals.

16. U.S. Response to Japanese Seizing Indochina: 1940-41
In reaction to Japanese aggression, U.S. freezes Japanese assets in the U.S. and enacts an oil embargo on Japan. U.S. and Japan engage in failed peace talks in an attempt to negotiate a settlement regarding the pacific.

17. U.S. Response to Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor: Dec. 8, 1941
Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Congress declares war on Japan and the US officially becomes a member of the Allies
“Day of Infamy” speech
Declaration of war against Japan
Three days later, Germany and Italy declare war on U.S.