U.S. transition

  • Nye Committee Ruling

    Nye Committee Ruling
    Investigated how arms manufacturers and bankers influenced U.S. involvement in World War I. It strengthened isolationist sentiment and led to laws preventing similar involvement in future wars.
  • The Neutrality Acts

    The Neutrality Acts
    A series of laws aimed at keeping the U.S. out of foreign conflicts by restricting arms sales, loans, and American involvement in war zones. The 1939 revision allowed "Cash and Carry," permitting arms sales to allies if they transported the goods themselves.
  • Start of WWll

    Start of WWll
    Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany. The U.S. remained neutral but began preparing for possible involvement.
  • Destroyers for Bases Deal

    Destroyers for Bases Deal
    The U.S. agreed to give Britain 50 old destroyers in exchange for military base rights in the Caribbean and Newfoundland. This showed increasing support for the Allies.
  • Lend-Lease Act

    Lend-Lease Act
    Allowed the U.S. to provide military aid to Allied nations without immediate payment. This effectively ended neutrality and marked a major step toward intervention.
  • Hemispheric Defense Zone

    Hemispheric Defense Zone
    Declared the entire western Atlantic as part of the U.S. defense zone, allowing U.S. Navy patrols to help British ships locate German submarines.
  • The Atlantic Charter

    The Atlantic Charter
    A joint declaration between FDR and Winston Churchill outlining post-war goals, including self-determination and free trade. It strengthened U.S.-British cooperation.
  • Pearl Harbor Attack

    Pearl Harbor Attack
    Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, killing over 2,400 Americans. The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan, officially entering WWII.