Turning Points Of WW2

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorHigh School, 11th grade November 2001

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Turning Points of World War II In 1941, the war in Europe had reached something of an equilibrium. Germany had been extremely successful in its invasions of Poland, France, etc. Still, it was starting to become apparent that Hitler would not be able to defeat Britain. At the same time, it seemed unlikely that a severely weakened England would have the strength to defeat Germany. It would take a colossal change for either side to be able to completely subdue the other.

This change was to be provided by the United States. In the late 1930's America, while officially remaining neutral, had made crucial decisions to help aide the Allies in their epic struggle against the Axis powers. This was due in large part to the leadership of President Roosevelt, who's sympathy lied safely with the Allies in general, and specifically with the British. One such decision was the introduction of "Cash and Carry" which allowed for belligerent nations to purchase war materials from the United States providing that they paid for them with cash and carried them away on their own ships.

This eventually gave way to the Lend-Lease Act. After this was passed, the President was able to provide goods and services to any nation whose defense was deemed vital to that of the United States.

This American support for the Allies, however, proved insufficient to sway the balance of the war in their favor. Roosevelt was in favor of joining the war, as he believed that an Allied victory was vital to the safety of America. Yet he knew that he would not have adequate support in any declaration of war. At the time, public opinion in America was badly divided. Additionally, even those that supported the Allies were for the most part, still not in...