Why Did FDR Believe the US Should Be Involved in the European War?

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was not originally in favor of the United States becoming involved in the European war. His preference was to maintain a hands-off approach, especially given the vast distances and seemingly unrelated conflicts.

The Turning Point: Germany's Declaration of War

One of the key turning points came when Germany declared war on the United States on December 11, 1941, less than a week after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This declaration, coupled with earlier actions, forced Roosevelt's hand.

Roosevelt’s Background and Early Stance

Roosevelt, like many Americans during this period, was a strong proponent of isolationism. He believed in keeping the US out of European conflicts, a stance that reflected public opinion during the 1930s. However, his desire to keep the nation out significantly diminished after Germany began targeting American interests.

Key Events Leading to American Involvement

Several significant events contributed to changing FDR's perspective and the American public's view:

British Declaration of War Against Germany: On September 3, 1939, the British declared war on Germany when the latter invaded Poland. This set the stage for a wider conflict but initially, the US remained neutral. Hitler's Declaration of War on the USA: On October 27, 1941, Hitler signed a declaration of war against the United States. This was a clear and direct threat to American security. Japan’s Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was the defining moment. It was the turning point that galvanized public opinion and set the US on a path to becoming an active participant in the war.

Why FDR Initially Reluctant to Intervene

While FDR was not initially willing to intervene in World War II, his reluctance was rooted in several factors. The primary reasons include:

Geopolitical Limits: Roosevelt understood that the distance between the US and Europe significantly hampered the ability to directly influence events. Isolationist Sentiment: American public opinion favored non-involvement, especially after the experience with World War I, which was widely seen as a mistake. Economic Considerations: The US was heavily engaged in trade, but also had industries and economic interests affected by the global conflict.

The Role of Japan’s Entry into the War

Japan's declaration of war on the United States was a pivotal moment. The attack on Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii, not only caused significant damage and loss of life but also profoundly affected US foreign policy. The surprise attack and the resulting casualties provided the impetus for the US government to declare war on Japan on December 8, 1941, thus bringing the US into the war.

Conclusion

While FDR’s position on US involvement in the European war was not initially favorable, the rapid sequence of events—Germany declaring war on the US and the attack on Pearl Harbor—ultimately forced him into taking a more decisive role. Roosevelt's progressively active policies during the 1930s, particularly his "Lend-Lease" program, helped prepare the US for eventual entry into the war. By 1941, the combination of events had solidified US participation in the conflict as a means to promote global stability and protect American interests.