-
Germany takes Poland
Germany broke through Poland defenses and with the help of the Soviet Union invading from the east, Poland had no defense. Britain and France did not come to Poland's aid, leading to Poland's surrender. -
Neutrality Act
With the war in Europe underway, Roosevelt and congress passed the Neutrality Acts. This act gave aid to the European nations with the cash and carry provision. Sending aid to Britain was a way for America to stay out of the war, although there was much controversy on if America should enter the war or not. -
Germany attacks Denmark and Norway
With the help of the Soviet Nonagression act, Hitler moved his army further west. Denmark and Norway fell to the nazi party and Blitzkrieg's were ordered on the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Each nation fell to Hitlers power. -
Britain prepares for war
After France falling in a matter of days, Hitler set his eyes on Britain. Churchill ruled out the policy of appeasement and Britain readied themselves for war. Churchill made a famous speech to inspire the nations people. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WICUrFbb3b0 -
America inches toward involvement
After the fall of France. Germany, Italy and Japan became the Axis powers. Congress after a leg debate, took action to defend the US by passing the Selective Service Act. Roosevelt also gave Britain war ships to help them in the Atlantic, he did so without the consent of congress. -
German U-boats against the US navy
Hitter realized the aid the Americans were giving Britain and their ships sailing to Iceland so he took action. Hitler ordered his U-boats to attack American ships, sinking many and killing hundreds of sailors. Roosevelt still not wanting to enter the war gave permission to the American navy to attack any German u-boats. -
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor
Japanese forces ordered a surprise attack on battleship row in Pearl Harbor, it would be a complete surprise to the Americans because there had been peace talks between the two countries. The United States suffered extreme losses, the USS Arizona was sunk instantly as well as many other ships. 2,500 people were killed and 8 battleships were badly damaged. This event lead to America declaring war on Japan. -
America sets up War Production Board
The American government set up the WPB to increase war time production. This helped pull America out of the Great Depression and American production levels became twice of the axis powers. -
Doolittle Raid
FDR retaliated after the attack on Pearl Harbor by attacking Tokyo. The plan was to send US bomber off of an aircraft carrier outside of Tokyo. The planes were detected early and were out into flight 800 miles out from the coast. The bombers bombed important places in Japan's capital and crash landed in China. The raid did very little but it fueled American morale in the war. -
Battle of Coral Sea
On May 7th and 8th, Japanese and American aircraft carriers went to battle. U.S airplanes attached the Japanese air craft and carriers and Japanese airplanes attacked American aircraft carriers. The result was technically a draw, but it stopped the Japanese attack on New Guinea. This was a huge accomplishment for the U.S and shifted their momentum. The battle gave Americans a sense of confidence.
