Question

Between the start of World War 2 in September 1939 and the entry of the United States into the war in December 1941, the United States operated under an official policy of neutrality. Nevertheless, President Franklin Roosevelt pursued a policy of gradual engagement with the Allied nations o Europe. Explain the ways in which the United States pursued gradual engagement, and give at least 2 examples of the isolationist response to that engagement.

Answer 1

Between the start of WWII and the entry of the United States on the war in 1941, President Roosevelt wanted to lend their military assistance to Great Britain. This established a neutral relationship between the U.S. and Europe. He singed a “Destroyers for Bases” agreement in which 50 obsolete destroyers are provided in exchange for lease.  Both the U.S. and Great Britain signed the “Lend-Lease” agreement and made an alliance with other countries.

Answer 2

Although the United States pursued a policy of official neutrality, it provided aid to the Allies in various forms. One of the most prominent ways was Lend-Lease. Initially, the U.S. provided European nations with support to defend themselves against the Nazi onslaught in the form of food, supplies and war material. The Destroyers for Bases program allowed the U.S. to give the British 50 obsolete destroyers in exchange for 99 year leases on British bases in Newfoundland and the Caribbean. As the British capacity for repayment dwindled, Lend-Lease was presented as a viable alternative. It allowed the British to get the supplies they needed but did not require immediate repayment. These Lend-Lease agreements were extended to more than 30 countries during the course of the war.