The early 1900s were a period of tremendous change. The country entered World War One, also known as the War to End All Wars, in July of 1914. After the First World War the United States economy prospered. The country began the time known as “The Roaring twenties”, a time of change for American society and culture coupled with a feverish economic growth rate at a pace not seen in the modern era! A relatively young country called The United States of America became a powerhouse. Meanwhile, in Europe Adolf Hitler became the leader of the Nazi Party. Benito Mussolini was elected Prime Minister of Italy, and he used his status as leader of the National Fascist Party to turn Italy into a Fascist country. The American economic boom ended with the …show more content…
In the same year, Joseph Stalin was made dictator of the Soviet Union. In 1933 Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, and the stage was officially set for the start of World War II. The United States was determined to avoid direct conflict, and as a result passed the Neutrality Act. The Neutrality Act prevented the US from aiding anyone in the war. Despite the United States’ effort to stay neutral the country was eventually provoked into war by Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
In July of 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in the United States in response to Japan occupying French Indo-China. Roosevelt’s embargo on oil, needed for weapons and everyday life, threatened to ground Japan’s entire army. According to History.com, “President Roosevelt swung into action by freezing all Japanese assets in America. The result: Japan lost access to three-fourths of its overseas trade and 88 percent of its imported oil” (History.com). Roosevelt also denied Japanese ships the right to use the Panama Canal. Without access to the Panama Canal the Japanese were forced to add approximately 7,900 miles onto the trade routes. Japan’s main goal was conquest, but the United States disapproved and forced Japan to