1. America Enters the War
Chapter 13 Section 4

2. The Neutrality Act of 1939
President Roosevelt officially proclaimed the U.S. was neutral two days after Britain and France declared war on Germany.
Despite this declaration, he was determined to do all he could he could to help the two countries in their struggle against Hitler.

3. The Neutrality Act of 1939
After the war began, Roosevelt called Congress into a special session to revise the neutrality laws.
He asked Congress to eliminate the ban on arms sales to nations at war.

4. The Neutrality Act of 1939 Isolationists asked for revisions.
Under the Neutrality Act of 1939, warring nations could buy weapons from the U.S. only if they paid cash and carried the arms on their own ships.

5. Destroyers for Bases Deal
The first test of the Neutrality Act came in spring of 1940.
Winston Churchill began asking Roosevelt to transfer old American destroyers to Britain
Had lost half their supply
Needed to block German invasion

6. Destroyers for Bases Deal
Roosevelt found a loophole in the Neutrality Act
In exchange for the right to build American bases on British-controlled lands, Roosevelt sent 50 old American destroyers to Britain. Since it was not a SALE, the Neutrality Act did not technically apply.

7. Destroyers for Bases Deal
American opinion was not unanimous by any means.
1. The Fight for Freedom Committee (a group which urged the repeal of all neutrality laws and wanted strong action against Germany)

8. Destroyers for Bases Deal
2. Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies
This group pressed for increased American aid to the Allies but opposed armed interventions.

9. Destroyers for Bases Deal
3. America First Committee
This group was strongly opposed any American intervention or aid to the Allies.
Many famous people were part of this group, including Charles Lindbergh.

10. The Election of 1940
Roosevelt had a decision to make—should he leave office while America is in such a dangerous position?
He decided to run for an unprecedented 3rd term.

11. The Election of 1940 Roosevelt was elected by a wide margin
Americans wanted to stick with who they knew during this crisis period.

12. The Lend-Lease Act
By December 1940, Great Britain had run out of funds to wage its war against Germany.
President Roosevelt came up with a way to remove the cash requirement of the Neutrality Act

13. The Lend-Lease Act The Lend-Lease Act
U.S. would be able to lend or lease arms to any country considered “vital to the defense of the U.S.” This act meant that the U.S. could send weapons to Britain if Britain promised to return or pay rent for them after the war.

14. The Lend-Lease Act
Roosevelt justified these actions by pointing out that if Britain fell to the Germans, America would be in a dangerous place

15. Japan Attacks the U.S.
Japanese resentment against America had been growing, mostly because of America’s efforts to help Britain in its war against Germany.

16. Japan Attacks the U.S. Why does Japan attack U.S.?
1. Embargo against them
2. Lend-Lease aid to China from U.S.
3. American freezing of Japanese assets in U.S.
4. MacArthur sent to Philippines to build up American defenses there

17. Japan Attacks the U.S.
The Japanese decided to seize the Philippines and to attack the American fleet at Pearl Harbor.
They could not risk leaving the U.S. with a navy in the Pacific to oppose their plans. While the Japanese prepared for war, negotiations with the U.S. continued, but neither side would back down.

18. Japan Attacks the U.S.
On November 26, 1941, six Japanese aircraft carriers, two battleships, and several other warships set sail for Hawaii.

19. Japan Attacks the U.S
Meanwhile, The Japanese government appeared to be continuing negotiations with the U.S.
American intelligence suspected the Japanese were going to make a move against the U.S.

20. Japan Attacks the U.S
Because of the great distance from Japan to Hawaii, Washington officials doubted that Hawaii was even a target.

21. Japan Attacks the U.S
December 7, A day that will live in infamy.
Japan launched a surprise attack on pearl harbor and killed 2,403 Americans

22. Japan Attacks the U.S
The next day, the president asked Congress to declare war.
Following the speech, a vote was taken and it was one vote short of being unanimous for declaring war.