The US response to the European War 1939-1941 and Japan

Question 1

Expressing strong support for the Western democratic states in 1938
• Example

Answer 1

Roosevelt opened secret talks with the French on how to bypass US neutrality laws and allow the French to buy US aircraft.

In 1939, the French government placed large orders with the US aircraft industry.

Question 2

Lend-Lease 1941

Answer 2

Britain would be ‘loaned’ the means to keep fighting.

The USA was effectively giving Britain the means to remain in the war.

Question 3

Atlantic Charter 1941

Answer 3

An expression of a vision with international peace, national self-determination and freedom of the seas.

Question 4

How did the Lend-Lease 1941 show a switch in policy

Answer 4

Roosevelt had been reluctant to give Britain weapons in 1940 in case she was defeated.

Question 5

Japan’s influence

Answer 5

When France was defeated by Germany, the Japanese marched into the French colonies in Indochina and subsequently announced the setting up of the Greater East-Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Question 6

Attack on Pearl Harbour 1941

Answer 6

It aimed to immobilise the US Navy so it could not stop Japan’s expansion into East Asia, to areas such as the Dutch East Indies with their supplies of oil.