WW2 Flashcards
How did WW2 initially impact Brazil and other South American countries?
British blockade to stop supplies going to Germany, countries in South America lost markets, German retaliation submarines to shoot British warships and traders. German advance in Northern Africa, Brazil fears they could fly between North Africa and Brazil. Brazil lets US lease land and build an airbase in Natal to stop invasion of South America. Airbase used by US to send planes to Europe.
How did the US try to prevent WW2 spreading to Europe?
American nations met in Panama to discuss strategy. Surveillance on Axis, concerns about Mexican alliance, make sure they don’t get American allies, Neutrality Zone, watch for Axis spies
How did Brazil become involved in WW2? How did their involvement improve their relationship with the US?
US declared war in 1941, many Latin American nations broke diplomatic relations with Axis powers in solidarity after Brazil held a meeting in 1942 urging Americas to break relations. US agreed to transfer a steel mill from Pennsylvania to Brazil in repayment. Not opened until 1946. Funded through the Import and Export Bank. Lease financing for Brazil.
Why was America initially concerned that Brazil would side with the Axis powers?
Late 1930s speculation - Brazilian trade with Germany, Brazilian officers/soldiers trained in Germany. Lots of Italian, Japanese and German immigrants in Brazil (usually third or more generation, not interned but monitored). Concerns of a “Fifth Column”. Argentina and Chile sympathised with Germany though both retained neutrality.
What prompted Brazil to join WW2 in 1942?
Two Brazilian cargo ships were sunk by Germany (?), caused Brazil to declare war on Axis powers.
How did the US support Brazil’s entrance into WW2?
US set up chartered airlines in South America to replace Italian and German airlines operating there (could have been taken over by spies), gave Brazil funding to sell arms to Allies, Lend-Lease, large amounts of money.
Why did Brazil want to become militarily involved in WW2?
Prior war with Argentina, hard to defend South Brazil, where Argentina previously invaded, expected potential invasions by Argentina during WW2, stationed nearly 1/2 troops in South, could have been defeated regardless, why they wanted Land Lease, joint planners, training, weapons etc. from US = Joint Planning Commission between Brazil and US. Develop their army, real experience.
How was Brazil involved in the military aspects of WW2?
Fought in Italy, US agreed and accepted their contribution, 1943/4, Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB), July 1944 unit shipped to Sicily, pursue German occupation units. Mussolini killed 1942. Brazil captured German division in Italy. Returned to Brazil 1945, felt they had surpassed Argentina in military capabilities.
How did involvement in WW2 encourage Brazilians to uprise against Vargas?
Contradiction, fighting for democracy, living under a democracy. US felt it should encourage democracy in South America. 1945 elections held, sensed Vargas wouldn’t agree to US terms and would re-elect himself, coup d’état. End of close relationship with US, though US army still provided training and arms until 1975/6.
