1. Neutrality Tested
Looming War
Assistance for Allies, Phony War, Isolationist vs. Interventionist, Axis Unchallenged
While Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union divided Europe between themselves, Roosevelt attempted to
circumvent the Neutrality Acts and give war materials to the Allies, while animosity towards Germany
became an American majority opinion, despite opposition from isolationists.
2. The Third-Term Campaign
War Politics
Democrat Draft, Break with Tradition, Competition of Personal Magnetism
Roosevelt didn't withdraw, so the Democrat's chose him in their draft, which he accepted, while the
Republicans chose Wendell Willkie, who shared many ideas with Roosevelt, making the election a
competition of personal appeal; Roosevelt won.
3. Neutrality Abandoned
Tension Increases
Germany vs. USSR, Lend-Lease, Broke Britain, German Violence
Due to Britain's state as broke, and the USSR's declaration of war against Germany after the USSR was
invaded, America started a lend-lease program, which gave war materials to the Allies on their word that
they would pay it back after the war; this further set America against Germany.
4. The Road to Pearl Harbor
"Surprise" Attack
Expanding Japanese, Trade Embargo, Japanese Coup D'etat, Unanimous Vote for War (almost)
In response to America's trade embargo, which came as a result of continued expansion, the Japanese
government under it's new military leader Tojo enacted a preemptive strike at Pearl Harbor which, despite
early signs, proved to be disastrous for America; it did, however, turn almost all Americans in favor of war,
while the congressional vote for war was one vote away from being unanimous.
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