Question

2. what were the steps that america took to try and remain neutral as europe headed into world war ii?

Answer 1

As Europe headed into World War II, the United States took several steps to try and remain neutral, while also providing some support to Allied powers. Here are some of the key steps:

1. The Neutrality Acts: These were a series of laws passed by Congress between 1935 and 1939 that aimed to keep the United States out of the conflict in Europe. The Neutrality Acts prohibited the sale of arms or other war materials to belligerent nations, and also prohibited Americans from traveling on ships owned by belligerent powers.
2. The Cash and Carry Policy: In 1939, the United States passed a law that allowed belligerent nations to purchase non-military goods from the United States, as long as they paid cash and transported the goods on their own ships. This policy aimed to support the Allies without violating the Neutrality Acts.
3. Lend-Lease: In 1941, the United States passed the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the government to lend or lease military equipment and supplies to Allied nations. This policy helped the Allies by providing them with much-needed resources, without officially entering the war.
4. The Atlantic Charter: In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met to discuss their shared goals for the post-war world. The resulting Atlantic Charter outlined the principles of democracy, self-determination, and international cooperation that would guide the Allies in their fight against the Axis powers.

Despite these efforts to remain neutral, the United States became increasingly involved in the war, culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941, which prompted the United States to officially enter World War II.