The act and the deal were adopted right before World War II for it was believed that it would aid the forces of the allied nations even if the United States chooses not to participate in the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Being the greatest power as far as the might of the army was concerned, the United States tried to assure that the side of the allied nations would be more powerful even if the United States does not directly participate in the war.
The United States Congress passed an act that would allow the government to lend its defence equipment to the forces of allied nations on lease. It also provided the Royal Navy of the UK its warships named 'Destroyers of Bases' in exchange of the rights to access the British lands.