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President Franklin D. Roosevelt's second inaugeration
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US proclaims its neutrality in the European War
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Period: to
Events leading up to US entering WWII
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third inaugeration
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Selective Service and Training Act
The first peacetime draft in the United States was signed. -
Lend-Lease Act passed
This allowed the US to lend or lease war supplies to nations that were deemed "vital to the defense of the United States." -
The first all-black unit of the US Air Corps is formed- known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
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President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802
Executive Order 8802orevebts discrimination against blacks and women in the hiring practices of defense jobs. -
USS Greer was attacked by a German U-boat while transporting Lend-lease materials.
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"Shoot on site" policy
After the incident with the USS Greer, President Roosevelt orders all naval vessels to attack any ship that threatens American shipping or foreign shipping under escort. -
USS Reuben James torpedoed by a German U-boat
This was the first US vessel to be destroyed by Axis Powers. -
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
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US declares war on Japan and enters WWII
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Germany and Italy declare war on the US
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Germany and Italy declare war on the US