Technically speaking, the United States could have entered World War II earlier. But public opposition made it politically impossible.
Much of this can be attributed to admirable hope for peace and a disdain for war. But some of this can also be attributed to a somewhat less admirable, though understandable, fear of "getting involved" in a world war in which the entire planet was already irreversibly "involved."
Questions About Passivity
- What is the place of pacifism in our world today? Doesn't everyone agree that war is terrible?
- What is the place of pacifism in American history? Why is it generally admired in cases of civil disobedience and mostly looked down upon in cases of international conflict, especially in WWII.
- Is it possible to argue that America's neutrality helped the Allies in the long run? That because it wasn't made obvious to Hitler what the United States would contribute to the war effort, he was led to make poor decisions?
- What are we to make of the argument that the appeasement of Hitler and its consequences shows us that such forces must be opposed vigorously from the beginning? That war has to be waged almost preemptively in some cases?
Chew on This
Check out some potential thesis statements about The Lend-Lease Act.
Tyranny of all kinds must be checked at all times by anyone who can in order to avoid what would otherwise be inevitable catastrophe.
Engaging in passivity (when it's possible to "do nothing" or at least to not do some things), can leave you in a stronger position in the end.