Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Shadow of War 1933–1941

These flashcards cover key concepts and events related to Franklin D. Roosevelt's foreign policies leading up to World War II, focusing on the U.S.'s transition from isolationism to involvement.

What was Franklin D. Roosevelt's initial foreign policy focus during the Great Depression?

Roosevelt's initial foreign policy focus was primarily on domestic economic recovery and the depression, neglecting international issues.

What was the outcome of the London Economic Conference in 1933?

Roosevelt withdrew the U.S. from negotiations, undermining the conference and demonstrating his commitment to prioritizing domestic policies over international cooperation.

What was the Good Neighbor policy introduced by Roosevelt?

The Good Neighbor policy aimed to improve relations with Latin America and renounced armed intervention in the region.

What did the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 achieve?

It allowed the president to negotiate tariff reductions with other nations to stimulate trade, reversing the high protective tariffs of the past.

What was the main purpose of the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s?

The Neutrality Acts aimed to keep the U.S. out of foreign wars by restricting trade and financial involvement with belligerent nations.

How did the Spanish Civil War illustrate the effects of U.S. neutrality?

U.S. neutrality policies allowed Francisco Franco to secure a fascist victory, which emboldened other totalitarian regimes.

What was the significance of the Munich Conference in 1938?

The Munich Conference involved European powers conceding to Hitler's demands to avoid war, which ultimately failed as Hitler continued aggression.

What did the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 entail?

The Lend-Lease Act allowed the U.S. to provide military aid to foreign allies during World War II, effectively moving the U.S. away from neutrality.

What was the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor on American isolationism?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, ended isolationist sentiments, leading to widespread support for entering World War II.

What was the primary goal of Roosevelt’s foreign policy as WWII approached?

Roosevelt sought to support the Allies and prepare the U.S. for eventual conflict, balancing intervention with the isolationist sentiment at home.