Q. 102 / 128American History → Wars & Conflicts
Why did the United States enter World War II?
OFFICIAL ANSWER
- (Bombing of) Pearl Harbor
- Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
- To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)
- To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)
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Context
Before Pearl Harbor, the United States had maintained official neutrality while supporting Britain and other Allied nations through programs like Lend-Lease. The surprise attack killed over 2,400 Americans and destroyed much of the Pacific Fleet. Congress declared war on Japan the next day, and Germany's declaration of war on December 11 committed the United States to fighting on two fronts—in Europe and the Pacific.
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