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The Nye Committee Ruling
Following WWI, many people felt that arms manufacturers swayed America's decision to enter WWI. At the start of WW2, this fear persisted and the Senate created the Nye Committee to investigate arms sales during WWI. The committee held 93 hearings and questions 200 people between September 1934 and February 1936. -
The Neutrality Acts
Throughout 1930 to 1939, a series of neutrality acts were signed into law to prevent America from entering a world war. In the first law signed into place (1930), this prohibited the sale of any arms to any country that is at war. In 1937, the President allowed for arms sales to belligerent countries. This made way for the U.S. to help Britain and France. In 1939, the "cash and carry" went into full effect all trade was allowed with any belligerent country. -
Start of WWII
In 1939, Hitler and Stalin signed a pact that worried Britain and France. Hitler had full intentions of invading Poland, which Britain and France swore to protect if it were invaded. Hitler signed the pact with Stalin to ensure that he would have safety to invade Poland. Hitler invaded Poland on September 1st, 1939 and this directly caused France and Britain to declare war on Germany. This marked the official start of WW2. -
Hemispheric Defense Zone
The United States, by no means, wanted to enter a world war. Therefore, President Roosevelt made ways for the United States to help out Britain without getting involved. This caused the creation of the Hemispheric Defense Zone that allowed for the United States Navy to protect British ships in the Western Hemisphere. The Western Hemisphere was deemed as neutral. -
Destroyers for Bases
The Destroyers for Bases was an agreement made between Britain and the United States that officially determined that the U.S. was on Britain's side. The United States provided Britain with ships, weapons, and ammunition so they could continue to fight in the war. This declared that the United States was no longer a neutral country. -
Lend-Lease Act
The Lend-Lease Act was a deal signed into place that allowed for the United States to lease materials for war to countries that were a "vital defense for the United States." This included Britain, and the Prime Minister of Britain requested help from the U.S. President. The Lend-Lease Act was the United States was of helping Britain but attempting to stay neutral. -
The Atlantic Charter
The Atlantic Charter was written by Churchill (Prime Minister of Britain) and President Roosevelt. The Charter contained the United States' and Britain's plans for war, and plans for after the war. Both countries came to agreements to preserve world peace, including halting territorial expansion. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 7, 1941 Japan directed a surprise attack on the United States at the Pacific Fleet Naval base in Hawaii. This caused the United States to officially enter WW2. Over 2,400 Americans were left dead after the Pearl Harbor Attack. The ships can still be seen there today, as they were too difficult and dangerous to retrieve.