Reading class review 1939-1941

1. How and why did the US attempt to isolate itself from foreign troubles in the enemy and mid-1930's?
Why: Because of the horrors and economic consequences of World War I. We wanted to avoid the whole dilemma.

• The Neutrality Acts of 35, 36, and 37. (Does not distinguish b/w the aggressor and victim)
• Spanish civil war is a dress rehearsal for WWII.
• Panay Incident
• Johnston Debt Default Act - no loans
• Nye Committee
• We didn't respond to Italy invading Ethiopia.
• The America First Committee.
• Neutrality Act of 1939
• Cash and carry act.
• Good Neighbor Policy
• America First Committee

2. How did the fascist dictators' continually expand in aggression gradually erode the US commitment to neutrality and isolationism?
The Quarantine Speech took a step away from neutrality in that he asked American's to side against the dictators.
Mussolini comes to power.
The Munich Conference- form of appeasement or giving in to assure it as the last act of aggression.
3. How did FDR manage to move the US toward providing effective aid to Britain while slowly undercutting isolationist opposition?
Neutrality of 1939 where the US can sell arms on a cash and carry basis. A draft was also made to build armed forces. The creation of the committee to defend the allies which was started by regular Americans. The destroyer deal where the US transferred 50 US destroyers to Great Britain. The Lend Lease bill and the Atlantic Conference.

America's first peacetime draft. It would train 1.2 million troops yearly and 800,000 reserves.