America was still officially neutral in World War 2 but was providing significant aid to the Allies through policies like cash and carry and lend lease. As America increasingly restricted oil and other exports to imperial Japan, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, killing over 2,400 Americans and sinking or damaging 21 ships. In response, the US declared war on Japan. A few days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the US as well, drawing America fully into the war as a combatant.

1. 13.4America Enters the War

2. America is still no officially involved in the war, but they are helping the allies.

3. America Helps AlliesCash and carry policy. This allowed the allies to pay cash for American war products and carry them away.Lend Lease Act. This allowed the U.S. to lend war materials to the allies and receive payment at a later date. With this act, the U.S. gave $50 billion in supplies.

4. Many questioned whether the US was doing enough to help. The isolationist debate was at full force.

11. The U.S. Embargoes JapanJapan depended on the U.S. for oil, scrap metal, and airplane fuel.80% of Japan’s oil came from the United States.FDR began restricting these products because Japan invaded China.On November 26th 1941, the Japanese navy set sail for the U.S. Naval base in Pearl Harbor Hawaii.

12. Japan Attacks Pearl HarborDecember 7th 1941 the Japanese attacked the base at Pearl Harbor.21 U.S. ships were sunk or damaged.2,403 Americans were killed.The Senate voted to declare war by a vote of 82 to 0.

15. Attack on Pearl Harbor1st Wave -- The first attack wave of 183 planes was launched north of Oahu. Slow and vulnerable planes led the attack (why?) and focused on attacking US battle ships. Then dive bombers came through attacking bases.2nd Wave -- The second wave consisted of 171 planes353 planes reached Pearl Harbor.

21. Results of the AttackUnited States 4 battleships sunk,4 battleships damaged including 1 run aground2 destroyers sunk, 1 damaged1 other ship sunk, 3 damaged3 cruisers damaged[2]188 aircraft destroyed155 aircraft damaged,2,345 military killed1,247 military wounded57 civilians killed35 civilians wounded[3][4]Japan4 midget submarines sunk,1 midget submarine run aground,27 aircraft destroyed,55 airmen killed9 submariners killed1 submarine captured

25. After the Attack…Largest attack against United States ever…Country feared a larger attack against the west coast…US declares war on Japan

26. Germany Declares WarNow that Japan and the U.S. were at war, Hitler wanted to help the Japanese.Hitler had also grown tired of the U.S. Navy’s attacks on German submarines. On December 11th 1941, both Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S.