American and the Second World War: The entrance of the United States into World War II created a whole new range of problems for the American people, some military and diplomatic, others primarily domestic. Upper most in the mind of President Roosevelt was ending the Axis threat (Germany, Italy and Japan) by military victory.

To accomplish such a goal demanded decisive action in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, as well as necessary cooperation between the United States and the United Nations, and coordination to achieve the common goal of victory. These military and diplomatic issues were complicated by the need for imaginative policies in the domestic sphere, mobilization of the economy and the galvanizing of American spirit in support of the war effort created the greatest Home Front army in history. the war had a profound impact on the domestic life of Americans, whether on politics, economy, race relations and cultural trends. World War II did not initiate radical new departures in America, but it accelerated an enormous flexibility on the part of most Americans who adapted to new and often unfamiliar problems, and revealed previously hidden potentials. At the end of the conflict , many Americans seemed transformed. The Depression generation of 1941 had been glum, cautious, and pessimistic, but by 1945, with a job well done, many Americans felt a sense of exhilaration, self-confidence, and optimism. World War II was a bridge between two distinct eras, between a nation preoccupied with the depression and one characterized by an affluent society. It marked the end of period of industrialism (1877-1940) and beginning of a new stage in American development with the emergence of a technological society (1941 to . . .).



1940
FDR proclaims of the United States the “Arsenal of Democracy.” (audio)
Arsenal of Democracy (text) This speech is one of the most famous of 30 fireside chats, broadcasted on the radio by President Roosevelt. It was read on December 29th, at a time when Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe and threatened Britain. Germany was allied with Italy and Japan, and was collaborating with the Soviet Union. After concluding a Destroyers-for-Bases treaty with the besieged British, Roosevelt appealed to the American people to provide more material support to Great Britain. Roosevelt argued that the best way to stay out of the war and preserve national security was to aid the Allied forces, establishing the United States as the "arsenal of democracy."

The United States does not renew its commercial treaty with Japan.

Germany invades Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Popular radio shows of the times include The Shadow, Gangbusters,
Fibber McGee and Molly and the Jack Benny Show.

As rumbling of war pervade Europe, many scientists flee to the United
Sates.

Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented third term as President of the United States.