The document summarizes the debate in the United States in the late 1930s and early 1940s over whether to enter World War II. It describes the rise of isolationism due to events like the Nye Committee investigations, and the Neutrality Acts passed by Congress. However, as Germany and Japan's aggression increased throughout the late 1930s, President Roosevelt began pushing for more assistance to Allied countries through cash-and-carry and eventually lend-lease aid. This led to an intense national debate that polarized the country until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the U.S. into the war in 1941.