america moves towards war ch. 24 sec. 4. fdr faces challenges fdr knew americans did not want war...
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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!
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