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U.S. declares neutrality
Congress declares neutrality in war with the Neutrality Act in 1939. This Act put in place the "Cash and Carry"system where countries (mostly Britain) could buy goods and would have to carry those goods back to their country. Although America was Neutral, the Cash and Carry system with Britain foreshadowed the U.S.'s contribution to the Allies. -
U.S. makes a draft for war training
In 1940, the U.S./ FDR makes it mandatory for men from the ages 21-35 to register for the draft (also known as the Peace Time Draft) which was the first draft in U.S. history. Under a lottery system some men were selected to train for war. The U.S. was making efforts to prepare for war by training men early. -
Roosevelt Four Freedoms Speech
Roosevelt gives a speech to Americans about their four freedoms; freedom of speech, religion, expression, and freedom of want/ freedom of fear. Roosevelt gives this speech to show how privileged and free americans are while in the countries people are being persecuted. Roosevelt is planting an idea in Americans heads the US shouldn't be neutral. -
Lend Lease act is put in place
The lend lease act allowed the U.S. to lend war supplies to Britain and China. This brought America one step closer to joining the war and left America siding with the Allies.