US Foreign Policy
Fill in your notes page with the headlines in each of the small rectangles and follow the directions to fill in the big rectangles.
Isolationism
When WWII first started in Europe, the US chose a policy of isolationism (non-involvement). Following World War I, the US rejected the Treaty of Versailles and refused to join the League of Nations. Americans were tired of international politics and wanted to return to the normalcy of life in the US. Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover followed this policy. Some people were pacifists and did not approve of fighting at all. In your notes, write 3 important facts about US isolationism.
When WWII first started in Europe, the US chose a policy of isolationism (non-involvement). Following World War I, the US rejected the Treaty of Versailles and refused to join the League of Nations. Americans were tired of international politics and wanted to return to the normalcy of life in the US. Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover followed this policy. Some people were pacifists and did not approve of fighting at all. In your notes, write 3 important facts about US isolationism.
Neutrality Acts
As Fascist leaders came to power in Europe, the US continued to remain neutral - avoiding involvement in another war. Congress passed laws to ensure US neutrality.
The Neutrality Acts said the US would
*Not sell or ship arms to belligerent (fighting) nations
*Not loan money to belligerent nations
*Not allow US travel on ships of belligerent nations
*still sell non-military goods (for cash only) to belligerent nations, but would NOT transport them on US ships (pay cash, pick it up yourself!)
Look at the political cartoon to below. How is this an example of US attitude toward the war? What is going on in this cartoon. The caption beneath it says "Ho Hum! No chance of contagion." If you don't understand it, raise your hand and ask or ask a person near you. This cartoon is by Dr. Seuss (the same one who did "Green Eggs and Ham" and "One Fish Two Fish"!).
As Fascist leaders came to power in Europe, the US continued to remain neutral - avoiding involvement in another war. Congress passed laws to ensure US neutrality.
The Neutrality Acts said the US would
*Not sell or ship arms to belligerent (fighting) nations
*Not loan money to belligerent nations
*Not allow US travel on ships of belligerent nations
*still sell non-military goods (for cash only) to belligerent nations, but would NOT transport them on US ships (pay cash, pick it up yourself!)
Look at the political cartoon to below. How is this an example of US attitude toward the war? What is going on in this cartoon. The caption beneath it says "Ho Hum! No chance of contagion." If you don't understand it, raise your hand and ask or ask a person near you. This cartoon is by Dr. Seuss (the same one who did "Green Eggs and Ham" and "One Fish Two Fish"!).
In your notes, summarize in your own words what the Neutrality Acts did.
Lend Lease Policy
After 1940, when the war was not going well for the Allies, the US (under the urging of President Roosevelt) agreed to give 50 US destroyers (ships used against submarine) to England in exchange for military bases in British territories in North and South America. Congress also agreed to lend or lease (rent) war supplies like ammunition, ships, guns to Great Britain. Is the US still honoring the Neutrality Acts after passing this Lend Lease Act in 1941? In your notes, summarize what the Lend Lease Policy did in your own words. |
Declaration of War
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,300 sailors were killed in the attack along with 19 ships and 150 planes destroyed or disabled. President Roosevelt went to Congress the next day asking for a declaration of war. Choose to either read his speech below or watch and listen to it if you have headphones. (Afterwards, continue to the bottom of this page)
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,300 sailors were killed in the attack along with 19 ships and 150 planes destroyed or disabled. President Roosevelt went to Congress the next day asking for a declaration of war. Choose to either read his speech below or watch and listen to it if you have headphones. (Afterwards, continue to the bottom of this page)
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. President Franklin D. Roosevelt - December 8, 1941 |
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In your notes, summarize why Japan attacked the US and how the US responded to the attack