USA's Strengths

Isolationism in WWI

  • Neutrality Act in May 1937
  • American kept out of WWI

Had much more resources than other countries -> Much stronger than everyone else

Indirect Involvement

USA only formally entered the war in Dec 1941, but was already aiding the Allies from the start of the war in Sep 1939.

Cash and Carry policy 21 Sep 1939

  • Allowed BR and FR to buy goods from USA
    • Must pay in full and transport them on their own
  • Immediate payment
  • Cash payment only
  • USA commercial ships forbidden to enter conflict zones

Lend-Lease Act 11 Mar 1941

  • Gave Roosevelt authority to supply weapons, food and equipment to Britain and any country crucial for security of USA
  • Payment could be deferred
  • Does not need to be in cash
  • Recipients did not have to provide their own transportation

Other forms of Aid

  • American Navy utilised to provide escort for all Allied convoys
  • Imposed economic sanctions on the Axis Powers to deprive them of resources needed for their war effort
    • eg. Restricted important materials such as iron to Japan from 1940 on wards

Direct Involvement

After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 Dec 1941, American Congress declared war on Japan. Hitler also declared war on the USA due to Tripartite Pact. USA was now a formal participant in WWII.

Vast resources and manpower

  • Worlds largest producer of goods
  • Converted factories for military production faster than the Axis Powers
  • Solved military shortages
  • Bolstered the Allied war machine

Collaboration with Allies on military strategies

Crucial work done to achieve control of the air and sea. These not only prevented essential resources from reaching GR, but also gave Allies greater opportunities and success at bombing Axis military sites.

Overpowered, overwhelmed their opponents -> Distinct advantage over opponents

17:46 Monday 26 September 2022

Backlinks

Germany's defeat in WWII Operation Barbarossa