Key Events Leading to US Involvement in WWII

1. Invasion of Poland - 1939

• Adolf Hitler invades Poland, initiating World War II.
• The United States, still dealing with the aftermath of the Great Depression, initially remains neutral.
• During the 1930s, American public opinion was largely against interference in European conflicts.

2. American Neutrality and Legislation

• Nye Committee Report: Investigated the influence of armament companies on international peace.

  • Munitions companies intensify public fears for profit.
  • Technological advancements in warfare used to promote continuous military spending.
  • No evidence wars started solely due to munitions makers, but their influence is acknowledged.

• Neutrality Act of 1935:

  • Prohibited export of arms from the US to belligerent nations.
  • Aimed to prevent involvement in foreign wars by restricting arms sales.

3. America First and Isolationism

• Charles Lindbergh, April 1941:
  • Advocated for non-involvement in European wars.
  • Promoted the idea of American self-defense and development.
  • Called for support of the America First Committee to resist entering WWII.

4. FDR's Early Stance on Global Aggression

• Quarantine Speech, 1937:
  • Highlighted the spread of global lawlessness and international aggression.
  • Called for moral consciousness and respect for treaties.
  • Advocated for peace and isolation of aggressive nations.

5. FDR's Four Freedoms Speech - 1941

• Four Essential Human Freedoms:
  1. Freedom of Speech and Expression: Globally.
  2. Freedom to Worship: Every individual’s right globally.
  3. Freedom from Want: Economic security and peacetime prosperity.
  4. Freedom from Fear: Global reduction of armaments to eliminate aggression.

Conclusion

• The US initially maintained a stance of neutrality, influenced by economic recovery priorities and isolationist public opinion.
• Over time, global events and internal advocacy began to shift towards support for international involvement and defense of universal human rights.