Download Timeline America Enters the War

Timeline: America Enters the War
Overview: As World War II began, the United States remained officially neutral but
aided Great Britain considerably in its fight against Germany. In the Pacific, Japan’s
territorial expansion led to growing tensions with the United States, which peaked when
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Assignment Instructions: Students will create a timeline that that illustrates the
difficulties the United States faced in trying to stay out of World War II. Students should
begin with the 1937 Neutrality Act and conclude with Germany and Italy’s declaration of
War. Students will be required to identify the following events in their timelines:
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American Neutrality Act (1937)
American Neutrality Act (1939)
Destroyers for Bases Deal
America First Committee
Presidential Election of 1940
Lend Lease Act
Hitler’s Invasion on the Soviet Union
Atlantic Charter
America’s Embargo of Japan
Lend-Lease Aid to China
Japan occupation of Indochina (present day Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia)
Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor
Germany and Italy’s declaration of war
* Note that some these events do not have specific dates, but you should be able to
identify a specific time of year.
Additional Requirements: For each event students will be required to provide adequate
information discussing each event. Students will also be required to provide a visual that
depicts the event.
Resources: Students will use Chapter 13 Section 4 (pages 474-479) of their textbook to
complete the assignment.
Final Question: This should be answered on the back of the timeline. Question: After
Roosevelt’s efforts to help Britain, some people accused him of being a dictator. Do you
agree or disagree with this label? Explain your answer using examples from your
timeline. Your response should be at least 7-10 sentences.
Total Points: 45 Points
This assignment will be due at the end of class of the second workday