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Period: to
Prior to World War 2
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The Tripartite Pact
This alliance formed the Axis Powers. Germany, Italy, and Japan agreed to come to one another's aid if the United States declared war on one of them. A two front war would hurt the United States. -
Roosevelt's Third Term
Roosevelt runs for a third presidential term. He wins because his opponent Wendell Willkie has very similar goals. They both wish to keep the U.S. out of war and aiding Great Britain, so the people stuck with Franklin. -
The Lend-Lease Act
Franklin Delano Roosevelt sought to help defend Great Britain through this act that allowed for the leasing of arms and other supplies to "any country whose defense was vital to the United States". -
Supporting Stalin
The peace agreement Hitler had made with Stalin in 1939 was broken when he invaded the Soviet Union. Seeking more forces against Hitler, Roosevelt began sending lend-lease supplies to the Soviet Union. Many in the United States disagreed with supporting a communist country. -
Extended Terms for Draftees
To gather an army, FDR extended the terms for draftees. While providing aid to countries, America was underarmed and not prepared for the rising tensions that paved the way for war. His efforts to ready the army were now underway. -
Signing of the Atlantic Charter
A meeting between Winston Churchill and FDR aboard the U.S. Augusta to discuss the war in Europe and possible U.S. commitment. Resulted in the signing of the Atlantic Charter, which was a joint declaration of war aims. Collective security, disarmament, self-determination, econonmic cooperation, and freedom of the seas. -
Shoot on Sight Policy
Roosevelt ordered that German u-boats were to be attacked on sight. This was the first aggressive act of the U.S. towards the Axis Powers. Made war inevitable. -
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked the U.S. naval base of Pearl Harbor. This was the event that launched the United States into war. The next day Roosevelt asked Congress for a declaration of war on Japan. Germany and Italy then declared war on the U.S. thus began the war for the United States.
