Notes on U.S. Entry to World War II

U.S. Entry to World War II

• Opposition Before 1917:

  • Initially, American sentiment was against involvement in the First World War.
  • There were perceptions that the war was distant and irrelevant to the U.S.

• Key Events Leading to Entry:

  • The sinking of American merchant ships by German U-Boats violated U.S. neutrality.
  • The Zimmerman Telegram revealed Germany's attempt to ally with Mexico against the U.S.
  • These events contributed to public support for intervention in 1918.

• Post-War Sentiment:

  • After the war, over 100,000 American deaths led to a strong aversion to future foreign wars.
  • The U.S. struggled with the Great Depression, causing isolationist attitudes to dominate.

• Isolationist Sentiment:

  • Many Americans were more focused on domestic issues than foreign conflicts.
  • The Senate did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles, which diminished obligation to intervene as Germany violated treaty terms.
  • Americans showed concern towards Nazi Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, and Japanese aggression but were reluctant to act militarily due to recent war trauma.

• Cautious Government Response:

  1. Domestic Priorities:
  • Need to focus on the economic crisis; war was secondary.
  1. Fascism Awareness:
  • Public hostility existed against fascism, but interventionism was not popular.
  1. Economic Interest:
  • American businesses had profitable ties with Germany prior to the Depression, warranting caution.
  1. Concerns over Nazi Longevity:
  • Many believed Hitler's regime would not last, underestimating the threat it posed.

• Neutrality Acts:

  • 1935 Neutrality Act:
  • Prohibited arms exports to belligerent states, reflecting the desire for American neutrality.
  • 1936 Neutrality Act:
  • Restricted financial support to belligerent nations, reinforcing isolationism.

• Shift in Neutrality Post-1939:

  • Cash-and-Carry Policy (1939):
    • Allowed belligerent nations to buy U.S. war materials if they paid cash and transported goods themselves.
  • Increased American economic involvement in wartime supply chains while officially remaining neutral.

• Winston Churchill and U.S. Support:

  • Churchill's efforts urged U.S. to assist in the war without direct involvement, setting a tone for increased cooperation.

• Lend-Lease Act (1941):

  • Authorized the transfer of defense articles to allied nations.
  • Solidified U.S. commitment to supporting Britain and allies during WWII.

• Pearl Harbor:

  • On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, leading to significant loss of U.S. naval forces.
  • Public outrage and the swift action by Congress resulted in a declaration of war against Japan.

• Hitler’s Declaration:

  • On December 11, 1941, Germany declared war on the U.S., drawing the U.S. into European conflict.
  • This declaration relieved the Roosevelt administration from the pressure of prioritizing either the Pacific or European fronts.

• Conclusion:

  • The complex combination of public sentiment, economic considerations, and key events culminated in the U.S. stepping away from isolationism to become a significant player in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent declarations of war.