Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

The America First Campaign and German American Bund

The America First Campaign

In 1937, a Gallup Poll indicated that almost 70% of Americans thought that US involvement in World War One was a mistake. Additionally, 95% opposed any future involvement in war.

America First Campaign was set up by isolationists such as Charles Lindbergh.

Much of the campaign’s finance came from the German Embassy (coincidence?)

Members of the America First Campaign included: anti-Semitics, pacifists, isolationists and fascists

The German American Bund (Volksbund)

Formed in 1936

Was an organisation of patriotic Americans of German decent

Operated about 20 youth and training camps

Grew to a membership of tens of thousands among 70 regional divisions.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

The Neutrality Acts (1935 - 1939)

The First Neutrality Act (1935)

Gave the president the power to prohibit US ships from carrying US-made munition to countries at war.

The Second Neutrality Act (1936)

Banned loans or credit to countries at war.

The Third Neutrality Act (1937)

Permitted nations involved at war to buy goods other than munitions from the US provided they paid cash and used their own ships. This system became known as ‘cash and carry’.

The Fourth Neutrality Act (1937)

Allowed the US president to determine what could and could not be bought other than munitions to be paid for on delivery.

The Fifth Neutrality Act (1939)

Proclaimed the North Atlantic a combat zone.

Roosevelt ordered the US Navy to patrol the western Atlantic and reveal the location of the German submarines to the British.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

Roosevelt’s Support for Britain and France

In September 1939, Roosevelt summoned Congress to a special session to repeal the arms embargo terms of the Neutrality Acts.

Most Americans sympathised with Britain and France but did not want to get involved in the Second World War.

In November 1939, Congress agreed to sell arms on a strictly cash and carry basis.

In the summer of 1940, France was defeated by Germany and Britain stood alone against the aggressors.

Britain placed orders for 14,000 aircraft and 25,000 aeroengines but was increasingly unable to pay.

Roosevelt had overestimated Britain’s wealth and began to realise that the US would have to help more if Britain was to stay in the war.

In 1940, Roosevelt ‘traded’ Britain 50 destroyers for 8 bases. This marked a shift to active support for Britain.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

The 1940 Election

Roosevelt’s 3rd election victory.

In Boston (September 1940), Roosevelt assured listeners that American “boys were not going to be sent into any foreign wars”.

In a fireside chat on 29th December 1940, Roosevelt called the US “the arsenal of democracy” meaning the weapon supplier of Britain.

The 1940 election took place against the background of WW2.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

Lend-Lease

Introduced with Congressional approval in May 1941.

Britain would be loaned the means to keep fighting.

US was effectively giving Britain the means to remain in the war.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an

official policy of US Neutrality?

The Atlantic Charter

The Atlantic Charter (1941)

Roosevelt met with Churchill on the RMS Prince of Wales off the coast of Canada.

After 3 days of talks, they issued the Atlantic Charter.

This was an expression detailing what the world should look like after “the final destruction of Nazi tyranny”.

Topic 6, Lesson 7: Why was there an official policy of US Neutrality?

‘All Aid Short of War’

Roosevelt was not prepared to go to war but would supply Britain with aid.

A Gallup Poll in May 1941 found that only 19% of respondents thought Roosevelt had gone too far with his aid to Britain.