In 1939, Germany first tested this tactic in Poland. Later, they became successful when they annexed France, Belgium, and the Netherlands only a year later.

Lend Lease Act

This act allowed the United States to help foreign countries with any arms or other military needs without having to pay or go into battle.
The main goal was to help defend other countries that would also defend themselves. As the US continued to support and provide Britain with arms, the British stayed in the war until the US was eventually pulled into the war as well.

Neutrality Acts

To keep the US out of the war, these neutrality acts were passed, stating that the US couldn’t provide anything war-related to disputing nations. These laws were passed in 1936-1937 by Congress, in which American citizens were in favor of.

Ever since WWI, Americans were leaning towards keeping themselves out of any disputes or conflicts between other nations. President Roosevelt himself was encouraging other nations to maintain peace and to negotiate out their desires for the future.

Allies

The Allies won the support of many, however, Hitler felt threatened by the US if they were to ever become involved in the war.
Americans were put in a tight position when they didn’t want to become involved in the war yet wanted to help the British and French. The neutrality acts prevented the US from assisting the allies. Not much longer, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor (pictured left) where over 3,500 Americans were injured or dead. Roosevelt finally decided it was time for the US to join the Allies and fight the war.

Axis Powers

Consisting of Italy and Germany, the Axis Powers worked together t