Notes

Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, was the primary instigation of World War II. Surrendering, Poland was now under German jurisdiction. Since Britain and France stood at Poland’s border, both countries waged war against Nazi Germany. The Soviet invasion of Manchuria (and war against Japan) also played a major factor in spreading the World War as the attack was a breach of the League of Nations. The war was contained to the eastern hemisphere for three years before any western intervention. The United States followed an isolationism foreign policy, meaning it was to not get involved in foreign affairs. However, under Roosevelt, the United States transitioned from an isolationist stand to an interventionist stand. Americans were fearful for their country and their security and cried for an end to isolationism. Americans would hear of Britain’s struggle with Germany through radio broadcast. It was almost as if the Battle of Britain was propaganda to get the United States to join in the war as a defensive fortress. Britain needed destroyers fast. Roosevelt finally gave in and supported Britain in the fight against Nazi Germany. With the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor, the war was propagated to the west. The United States was now fully in the war and thus abandoned isolationist tendencies. The economy was stimulated with policies, such as the Lend-Lease Act and Cash and Carry Program, slowly giving rise to the United States as both a major super power for the Allies and the “police” of the world.