Tiger,

Tiger,
Tiger

The US entry into WW2

 OVERVIEW
In this lesson you will examine:
• American isolationism vs. involvement
• Growing tensions between Japan and the US
• Reasons and consequences for the attack on
Pearl Harbor
 Isolation vs. involvement
Despite low public support for war, FDR pushed
America towards participation:
• 1939 “Cash and Carry” bill
• 1940 “destroyers for bases” agreement
• 1940 Selective Training and Service Act
• 1941 Lend-Lease Act
• 1941 Atlantic Charter
 Tensions
Japan’s war against China and its attempts at
expansion threatened US interests in Asia.
The US responded:
• Sept 1940: Ban on exports of steel and scrap
metal to Japan
• July 1941: Oil embargo against Japan
 The decision for war
With the oil embargo, Japan believed that
conflict with the US was inevitable and made
preparations on two fronts:

Military “I can run Diplomatic

wild for six
months … after that, I have
To strike hard and fast To quickly negotiate a
against US forces and
no expectation of success.“
settlement from a position
capture as much territory Admiral Yamamoto
of strength once enough
as possible – to avoid a territory had been
prolonged war captured
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a
date which will live in infamy -- the
United States of America was
suddenly and deliberately attacked
by naval and air forces of the
Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace
with that Nation and, at the
solicitation of Japan, was still in
conversation with its Government
and its Emperor looking toward the
maintenance of peace in the
Pacific…”
 “A date which will live in infamy”

On Dec 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft based from

carriers attacked the US fleet stationed in Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii.
• The US lost all capital ships in the Pacific except its
aircraft carriers
• Japan had not formally declared war which
galvanized American public opinion
• Germany and Italy declared war on the United
States on Dec 11, 1941
 SUMMARY QUESTIONS
• In what ways did FDR support the Allies
without direct confrontation against the Axis
powers?
• How did Japan react to American attempts to
limit their expansion?
• How was the attack on Pearl Harbor the
beginning of defeat for the Axis powers?