America Moves Towards War

Ch. 24 sec. 4

FDR Faces Challenges

• FDR knew Americans did not want war

• Also believed Hitler was a “Madman” and wanted to help allies

• Asks Congress for “cash & carry” provision

CASH & CARRY

• Allies could buy American arms as long as they paid cash and carried the goods back in their own ships

• Helps the US to stay “neutral” but also help the allies

• Many object, but Congress passes act

AXIS POWERS

• September, 1940• Germany, Italy &

Japan sign an agreement called the TRIPARTITE PACT; pledge mutual defense to each other

• Become known as the Axis Powers

U.S. Prepares

• Years of isolationism had left U.S. defenses weak

• U.S. begins to build defenses

• Passed first PEACETIME military draft

Election of 1940

• FDR first EVER to run for 3rd term

• Opponent Wendell Wilkie basically agrees with most of his policies

• FDR wins with almost 55% of votes cast

FDR’s Message

• After 1940 Election, FDR holds fireside chat

• Says there is no hope of negotiating with Hitler

• America must become the “Great Arsenal of Democracy”

Change in Policy

• Cash & Carry failing because GB running out of $$

• FDR proposes US “Lend-Lease” arms to countries whose defense are vital to the US

• Much debate but Congress passes (US would spend $50 billion)

Hitler Can’t Be Trusted

• June 22, 1941, Hitler ignores treaty w/Stalin & invades Russia w/ 3 million troops

• Predicts victory in 3 weeks; Soviets react with “Scorched Earth” policy, Hitler wrong

• US begins to send aid to Stalin

Germany tries to break US Supply lines

• “Wolf Packs” of 15-20 subs patrolled shipping lines; Germans sank 1.2 million tons of British shipping

• US starts to protect lend-lease shipments; FDR gives permission to attack in self-defense

Atlantic Charter

• FDR & Churchill meet secretly on a warship off Newfoundland

• “Atlantic Charter” spelled out reasons for war & ideals countries were pledged to fight for (no territory, respect people’s rights, disarm aggressors, etc.)

• Became philosophy of the Allies; 26 countries sign including USSR & China, 4/5 of the human race!