4. What was Franklin Roosevelt's policy on the war between 1939-1941

Between 1939 and 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt's policy on the war was characterized by a gradual shift from neutrality to increasing support for the Allies, while still avoiding direct involvement in combat. Here are some key points of his policy during this period:<br /><br />1. **Neutrality Acts**: Initially, Roosevelt adhered to the Neutrality Acts passed in the mid-1930s, which were designed to prevent the United States from being drawn into foreign conflicts. These acts restricted arms sales, loans, and transport of goods to belligerent nations.<br /><br />2. **Cash and Carry Policy**: In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Roosevelt persuaded Congress to amend the Neutrality Acts to allow the sale of arms to belligerents on a "cash and carry" basis. This meant that countries at war could purchase American arms as long as they paid cash and transported the goods themselves. This policy primarily benefited Great Britain and France.<br /><br />3. **Lend-Lease Act**: By 1941, as the situation in Europe worsened and Britain faced severe shortages, Roosevelt pushed for the Lend-Lease Act, which was passed in March 1941. This act allowed the U.S. to lend or lease military equipment and supplies to any country whose defense was deemed vital to the security of the United States. This policy significantly increased American support for the Allied powers, particularly Great Britain and later the Soviet Union.<br /><br />4. **Atlantic Charter**: In August 1941, Roosevelt met with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill aboard a ship off the coast of Newfoundland. They issued the Atlantic Charter, which outlined their vision for the post-war world, including principles such as self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas. This meeting signaled a closer alignment between the U.S. and Britain.<br /><br />5. **Escalating Tensions with Axis Powers**: Throughout 1941, Roosevelt took steps to prepare the nation for potential involvement in the war. He increased military spending, instituted the first peacetime draft, and authorized the U.S. Navy to escort convoys across the Atlantic. Tensions with Axis powers, particularly Germany and Japan, continued to escalate.<br /><br />Roosevelt's policy during this period was marked by a careful balancing act. He aimed to support the Allies and prepare the United States for possible entry into the war while navigating isolationist sentiment at home. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, ultimately ended this period of cautious engagement and led to the United States' full entry into World War II.