American History: A Survey (Brinkley), 13th Edition

Chapter 25: THE GLOBAL CRISIS

Primary Sources

1
Read the section in the text entitled "The Rise of Isolationism," paying careful attention to the discussion of the investigations chaired by Senator Gerald P. Nye (R-N.D.). The following statements were made in May 1935 by Nye and Senator Bennett Champ Clark (D-Mo.), a member of Nye's committee, before a "Keep America Out of War" meeting at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Also on the program was Representative Maury Maverick (D-Tex.), another isolationist. Read the statements and consider the following questions: Was it really the sale of munitions that led America into World War I? Why might a 1935 audience have been especially receptive to charges that bankers were responsible for war? How successful were Nye, Clark, and others in enlisting the "overwhelming body of public sentiment" for neutrality legislation? If Roosevelt had strictly followed the spirit of the neutrality legislation, could American entry into World War II have been avoided?

The Rise of Isolationism

2
Although the 1941 Lend-Lease Act suggests it is primarily a bill "to promote the defense of the United States," what is its specific purpose? What is the deal being laid out in this piece of legislation? What other steps has the United States taken prior to the passage of this act to achieve the same broad purpose?

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?doc=71&page=transcript

3
In this well-known address to Congress, President Roosevelt asks for a declaration of war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Beginning with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, discuss the major events on the American road to war in the Pacific, culminating with the events of December 7, 1941.

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?doc=73&page=transcript

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