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Roosevelt Dips His Toe In. Subtle shift in policy. Cash and Carry. Neutrality Act of 1939 Eases off a little bit Roosevelt finds loophole in softened language Allows sale of US goods if belligerent pays cash and picks up goods with their own ships
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Roosevelt Dips His Toe In Subtle shift in policy
Cash and Carry • Neutrality Act of 1939 • Eases off a little bit • Roosevelt finds loophole in softened language • Allows sale of US goods if belligerent pays cash and picks up goods with their own ships • Due to British naval superiority, this arrangement favored Britain (which is how we wanted it)
Selective Service Act (1940) • Compulsory military service • Requires military registration for men between 21 and 35 • Trained 1.2 million troops in one year • Public opinion shifting away from neutrality (in favor of Allies) • Congress persuaded to pass due to popular support • First peacetime draft in American history
Destroyers-for-Bases deal • By September 1940, naval tide had turned toward Germany • Submarine and bombing attacks decimated British Navy • Roosevelt cuts a deal to “trade” old battleships to Britain in exchange for military holdings on British Caribbean islands • Trading circumvents Neutrality Act
Roosevelt Wins Third Term • First President to seek a third term • No law limiting terms, just historical precedent • Regrettable campaign promise: • Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars