“FDR vs. Hitler: American Foreign Policy, 1933 – 1945”

“FDR vs. Hitler: American Foreign Policy, 1933 – 1945”

The period between 1933 – 1945 is significant in America’s history.  American entry into the Second World War has always been questioned. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s war policies were more influential in determining American intervention during the Second World War. Even though America’s entry into World War II was catalyzed by many factors, the primary catalyst of the US entry into the war was the fear of Hitler. For a long time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt used several strategies, including domestic and international policies, military and diplomatic and economic efforts to restore peace; however, he was already aware that war was inevitable.

Nazi Germany had been a threat to America, and the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor confirmed American fear. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s main concern was Adolf Hitler. Since his early years serving as the assistant secretary in the naval office in the Wilson administration,   Roosevelt was much aware of the possibility of entering into war. During his tenure as the president, he focused on bringing the country out of depression. However, he believed America played an essential role in the world. Thus, America had a duty to protect the world against the radial ideologies of Nazi Germany.

Even though Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated economy programs, his foreign policy included disarmament; however, this idea became difficult to attain, especially after Hitler ascended into power in1933. Roosevelt viewed Hitler as a dangerous person. Thus, Roosevelt kept a close eye on unfolding events in Europe. President Roosevelt wanted to limit Japan’s growing power in Asia; thus, he opted for a peaceable solution in addressing the ongoing economic problems throughout Europe. Towards Japan, Roosevelt used diplomacy at the same time used legislation in preparation for the inevitable war. He sought approval from Congress to rebuild the US fleet in preparation for any eventualities.

Roosevelt’s primary concern was the threat by Hitler and in his response, he offered conciliation. When dealing with Hitler, Roosevelt proceeded with caution to avoid arousing criticism in Congress and among the electorates. In response to Hitler’s aggressive behaviour against the Jew, Roosevelt remains silent, hoping that the Jews would migrate to the US.   He only cautioned the state department but failed to address the root cause of the Jewish refugee crisis affecting America.  Through discussions with the British and French, Roosevelt imposed his plan and used diplomacy to reach out to Hitler through the British prime minister. Roosevelt’s further collaborated with France to force Hitler to commit to the disarmament.

Roosevelt used several strategies in an attempt to contain Hitler without causing a war. He rallied other nations and sought public support. He reached out to all the heads of states in the world, urging them to subscribe to the disarmament deal.  Hitler invaded many parts of Europe, including Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Norway, and France, to control most parts of Europe. Roosevelt believed that by promising aid, he would persuade Hitler to accept peace. However, Hitler did not want peace.

In preparation for war, Roosevelt resorted to producing superior airplanes as the answer to the German threat.  Roosevelt planned an air armada but was cautious about building a conventional military force.  When the Second World War started, Roosevelt was already aware that he had to respond. Roosevelt was well aware that Great Britain and France were going to lose the war. He used diplomacy to propose security plans as a strategy to prevent Germans from attacking   American ships. This implied he had to help both Great Britain and France. Several events also provoked Roosevelt to react, for instance, when Germany sized the City of Flint, an American merchantman bound for Britain was captured, causing an uproar from the public. Instead, Roosevelt used informal overture like hiding behind negotiations to obtain intelligence.

Even though Roosevelt was more interested in peace,   he explored other possibilities. For a long time, Roosevelt kept America out of the war. It was only when Hitler’s aggression persisted that Roosevelt resorted to military intervention. He believed that the use of military forces could halt Hitler’s aggressive attacks in European countries. Thus, during his reelection, Roosevelt adopted a more complicated course of action. He established a defence system, building plants to produce war material, supported his allies like Britain and also put economic pressure on Japan.

Roosevelt used strategies like the Lend-Lease Act, pushing Congress to lease goods instead of money to Great Britain. American took an active role in protecting the sea routes establishing neutrality zone and increased naval patrols. Roosevelt used this strategy to keep away the German warships and submarines out of their waters.  Roosevelt was aware that war with Germany was inevitable; thus the US beefed up its patrol along with the waterways.

The naval war began only after Roosevelt believed that the German submarine attacked an American ship. However, he was undertaking a plan he had developed for several years. He only needed to seek approval from Congress to engage in war with the Germans. Even though America’s entry into World War II was catalyzed by many factors Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concern of Hitler’s aggression forced Roosevelt to enter into the Second World War to safeguard America’s interest.