American Foreign Policy Between the Wars

These flashcards summarize key concepts and events related to American foreign policy between the World Wars, including treaties, acts, and significant military actions.

What was the purpose of the Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922)?

To limit Japanese naval power and arrive at a naval disarmament agreement.

What did the Five Power Treaty establish regarding capital ship tonnage?

It established a ratio of 20:20:14:7:7 for the U.S., Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy.

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)?

A pact that pledged signatories to peacefully settle disputes, although it was largely symbolic and ineffective.

What was the Dawes Plan (1924) related to Germany?

It reduced German reparations and provided financial assistance from American banks.

How did the League of Nations fail in the 1930s?

It could not maintain international order, as shown by Japan's invasion of Manchuria and Germany's rearmament.

What was Roosevelt's reaction to Japan's aggression in China after taking power?

He provided economic support to China and began a naval construction program.

What did the Neutrality Acts (1935, 1936, and 1937) prohibit?

They prohibited arms shipments to countries at war.

What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Act (March 1941)?

It permitted the U.S. to provide goods and military support to allies, notably Britain, on a loan basis.

What prompted the U.S. declaration of war on Japan on December 8, 1941?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

What mistake did Hitler make on December 11, 1941?

He declared war on the United States, which allowed Roosevelt to officially declare war on Germany.