Influences Pushing U.S. into War

During the beginning of the war United States became neutral. At first, only prospering from the Allies through the Lend-Lease act by selling and trading goods with the allied forces. After the tragic event of Pearl Harbor U.S. became involved in the war after the declaration of war between them, Germany, Japan, and Italy. Although this was one of the driving factor that forced U.S into war also, there were many other events that pushed U.S. into war. These events consist of:

• • March 1940 : The U.S. government passed the Lend-Lease act, saying that countries can sell and support any country they wanted while remaining neutral. However, the U.S. knowledgeably joined the war by actively supporting selected allies. During the war, U.S. contributed 45 billion dollars in aid without directly interfering. This act was led and actively supported by FDR to help rebound our economy.

  • Japan invaded Manchuria, China on September 18th, 1931. The Japanese got stronger while South Manchuria weakened while China faced depression. Russia and China were close allies at the time, as we were to Russia. Russia displayed empathy, and became enraged. As we did to.

  • Also China and the U.S. shared connections and similarities as growing allies. So naturally there was tension to see an ally in a similar situation (the depression) fall as you would have.

  • The U.S. through the Lend-Lease act provided armaments, ammunition, and funds to British to stay in the war. Also they sent troops into China to aid, support, and maintain there well being.

Although there were a history of tension and indirect conflict behind the U.S. and japan, the bombing of Pearl Harbor was the cause of U.S. involvement in WW2.