Answer:
There were several factors that led FDR to believe that America's involvement in a global war was almost inevitable early in his third term of office, aside from Japan's direct provocation on December 7, 1941.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the key factors was the escalating conflict in Europe, where Nazi Germany had already conquered much of the continent and was threatening to invade Britain. Despite American neutrality, FDR was keenly aware of the danger posed by Germany and believed that the United States would eventually be drawn into the war on the side of the Allies. He had already taken steps to support Britain, such as providing them with military aid through programs like Lend-Lease, and was increasingly convinced that more direct American intervention would be necessary to defeat Germany.
Another factor was the ongoing conflict in Asia, where Japan was aggressively expanding its empire and had already invaded China, Indochina, and other parts of Southeast Asia. FDR had already imposed economic sanctions on Japan in an attempt to curb its expansionism, but he believed that war with Japan was increasingly likely. This was confirmed when Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which prompted the United States to declare war on Japan the next day.
Finally, FDR was also concerned about the rise of fascism and totalitarianism around the world, which he saw as a threat to American values and democracy. He believed that the United States had a moral obligation to fight against these ideologies and to defend freedom and democracy wherever they were threatened.
Taken together, these factors led FDR to believe that America's involvement in a global war was almost inevitable, even before Japan's direct provocation on December 7, 1941.