(5)
Read the following two sources. Then, answer the question(s) or respond to the
prompt(s).
Source 1: Roosevelt Rallies the Country
(1) In December of 1940, the world was at war, but the United States was on the sidelines.
Germany had taken control of most of Europe and was at war with Great Britain. In Asia,
Japan was fighting China and preparing to attack other areas of the Pacific. Many people in
the United States, however, believed that their country should not get involved in war.
(2)
(3)
(4)
For most of its history, American policy had been to stay out of foreign wars, and these
isolationists believed this should still be its policy. They argued that U.S. involvement in
World War I had been a waste of lives and money. They also felt that the ocean that
separated the United States from Asia and Europe would keep it safe, so the country should
not risk its soldiers by getting involved.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, however, felt otherwise. During his campaign for a third
presidential term in 1940, Roosevelt criticized the isolationists in speeches around the
country. Against the wishes of many in his administration, he made deals with the British to
send them warships. He also supported the idea of a military draft, which required many
men to serve in the armed forces.
To rally the public to his side, Roosevelt used one of his most powerful tools-his fireside
chats. People around the country listened to these radio broadcasts, where he discussed the
most important issues of the day. In his chat on December 29, 1940, Roosevelt criticized
isolationism and made the case that the United States must become more involved in the
war. He argued that the country would not remain safe if it allowed its enemies to win the
war. To support American allies, he said, American factories must devote themselves to
building military supplies, becoming the "arsenal of democracy."
Roosevelt's speech helped build public acceptance of the war effort. The United States
adopted more policies to actively support its allies in war. More American manufacturers
began to build war equipment such as airplanes, ships, weapons, and other supplies. The
number of Americans in the armed forces also quickly grew. When the United States was
attacked by Japanese forces less than a year after Roosevelt's speech, the country was
ready to go to war.
Write a thesis statement