How did the outbreak of war affect U.S. foreign policy?

Between 1939 and 1941, fascist victories overseas eventually eroded American isolationism. At first, U.S. intervention was limited to providing material support to the enemies of Germany and Japan, principally Britain, China, and the Soviet Union. But Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor eliminated that restraint, and the nation began to mobilize for an all-out assault on foreign foes.

> CHRONOLOGY

1938

  • Hitler annexes Austria.
1939

  • German troops occupy Czechoslovakia.

  • Nazi-Soviet nonaggression pact formed.

  • Germany’s attack on Poland begins World War II.
1940

  • Germany invades Denmark, Norway, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

  • British and French troops evacuate from Dunkirk.

  • Battle of Britain fought.

  • Tripartite Pact formed.
1941

  • Lend-Lease Act passes.

  • Germany invades Soviet Union.

  • Japanese attack Pearl Harbor.

Understanding the American Promise 3ePrinted Page 711