From Neutrality to the United Nations

Neutrality

Mar 20, 1930

Dating back to George Washington's Fairwell Address the United states has adopted a policy of neutrality. This includes refusing to join the League of Nations after WWI. As WWII started, the United States continued to stay neutral.

Creation of Axis Powers

Mar 20, 1930

Germany, Itally, and Japan form the Axis powers and begin to expand and take over other countries.

Neutrality Acts

Mar 20, 1930

There were multiple Neutrality Acts, each of which declared that the United States was neutral and not getting involved with the war in Europe.

The war begins

Mar 20, 1939

Hitler attacked Poland and WWII officially begins. In response the United States creates "cash and carry" which allows countries to buy war materials as long as they paid cash for them and transported the materials themselves.

Still Neutral

Mar 20, 1940

Englad is the only major Allied Power left fighting against Hitler and the Axis Powers. FDR begins to push for the United States to join forces with England. Still, many Americans want to be neutral.

Destroyers for Bases

Mar 20, 1940

An agreement between FDR and England in which the United States gives Englahd over 40 naval ships in exchange for 11 military bases. Still though, the United States is not taking official sides in the war.

Oil Embargo

Mar 20, 1940

Japan invaded China and Southeast Asia. The Untied States puts a metal and oil embargo on Japan. This means that the United States stops sending metal and oil to Japan - both of which are needed for Japan's war effort.

Holocaust

Mar 20, 1940

The Holocaust was the genocide of more than 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler. There were also

Elected for a 3rd Term

Mar 20, 1941

FDR has lead the country through the Great Depression and had just gotten elected to a 3rd term as president.

Arsenal for Democracy

Mar 20, 1941

FDR pushes Lend Lease Act through Congress. This act allowed the United States to lend supplies to any country whose defense could be vital to protecting the US and democracy. During this time the United States started to produce military supplies and weapons for the Allied Powers. The United States became known as the Arsenol for Democracy.

Atlantic Charter

Mar 20, 1941

FDR and Winston Churchill (Prime Minister of England) met to discuss the goals for post-war. The Atlantic Charter was based on Wilson's 14 points and included the United Nations. This is another step toward the United States involvement in WWII.

Pearl Harbor

Mar 20, 1941

On December 7, 1941 Japan made a decision to strike the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

US Declares War

Mar 21, 1941

After attack on Pearl Harbor US declared war on Japan. Germany declared war on the United States three days later.

Japanese Internment Camps

Mar 21, 1942

FDR signed Executive Order 9066 into law. It stated that Japanese Americans living on the west coast had to leave their homes, jobs, and belongings and be relocated internment camps. The internment camps were like prisons with barbed wire, armed guns, horrible living conditions and poor sanitation.

Manhattan Project

Mar 21, 1943

Research on the atomic bombs begins. Most of the research and testing is done in Los Alamos, NM.

D-Day

Mar 20, 1944

Also called the Normandy Invasion, thousands of Allies soldiers lead by the US invaded France at the Noramany beaches. It was the bloodiest day for American's during the way with more than 2,500 Americans dying. It was an Allies victory and allowed the Allies to retake Paris.

Korematsu vs US

Mar 21, 1944

Fred Korematsu (Japanese decent) argued that the Japanese Intermentcamps were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court rulled that they were constitutional - That in times of war the govenrment can restrict civil liberties. Therefore the govenrment was keep the country safe by relocating the Japanese to the Japanese Internment Camps.

VE Day

Mar 21, 1945

Nazi Germany surrenders and Hitler committs suicide.

Atomic Bombs

Mar 21, 1945

Two attomic bombs were dropped on Japan. The first was Little Boy, dropped on Hiroshima. The second was Fat Man dropped on Nagasaki.

Japan Surrenders

Mar 21, 1945

Japan surrenders to the United States and WWII is officially over. From the time the United States entered WWII until it was over, nearly 418,500 Americans died.

Yalta Conference

Mar 21, 1945

Meeting between United States, England and Soviet Union to decide on post war state of Europe. It was decided that:
- Germany would divided up into East and West Germany
- Japan surrenders and the United States occupies it
- United Nations is formed with the goal of worls peace
- Two major superpowers are creates - United States and Soviet Union

Potsdam Conference

Mar 21, 1945

Truman became president when FDR died in office. At the Potsdam Conference he gave Japan a change to surrender. When Japan did not surrender, Truman had to decide if he wanted to invade Japan or drop the atomic bombs. Truman decided to drop the atomic bombs to end the war quickly and save American lives.

Nuremburg Trials

Mar 21, 1945

An international military court that tried high level Nazi members for their actions during WWII. They were tried for crimes against humanity. It is the first time that national leaders and military leaders were held responsible for their actions during time of war.