The United States Debates Going to War

Great Britain is standing alone against Hitler.

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For months, night after night, German planes drop bombs on London and other British cities. ​

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Britain's Royal Air Force (the RAF) shoots down many German bombers, but the fighting continues. ​

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Britian's Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, asks the United States' President Franklin Delanor Roosevelt for help.

Many Americans still wanted to stay out of the conflict in Europe.

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Others feared what might happen if Hitler was able to defeat the British. What would keep him from attacking the United States?​

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​President Roosevelt decides to take action but still remain neutral in the war.

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In September of 1940, he sent Great Britain 50 old destoyers.

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​In March of 1941, he signed the Lend-Lease Act, a bill which allowed the US to sell or give ships, planes, tanks, and other equipment to the Allies.

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​Many Americans worried that this was a step towards the United States joining World War II.

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