FDR Speech

I am here with you today to talk about the current war that part of the world is engaged in. The United States has remained neutral throughout the war so far, but future involvement needs to be discussed.


We had hoped that a second World War would not take place because of the steps we took to create peace after World War I. The Treaty of Versailles ended the first World War and put the blame on Germany. They apparently did not like this. Germany was forced to give up land and a lot of money. Another effort that sought to create peace was the League of Nations. This hoped to prevent future wars from happening, and this has evidently failed. The Washington Conference, attended by the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, and France, created an agreement to destroy any current battleships being built and an agreement to not build anymore for ten years. We had hoped this would also prevent any future wars. The London Naval Conference added to the Washington Conference limiting the construction of submarines, cruisers, and destroyers. The Kellogg-Briand Pact also sought to end disputes peacefully. All of these things were created to create peace throughout the world and to prevent any future wars.


In comparison to the number of things that hoped to create peace, there were many things that have led up to the current war, World War II. Mussolini's rise to power showed that he was ready for war. He spent large amounts of money to build the army, navy, and air force. He killed anyone who opposed his ideas. Another event leading up to  World War II is Japan's invasion in Manchuria to get more land. Hitler came to power in Germany and showed that he was ready for war by building up his armies. Mussolini showed his want for war when he attacked Ethiopia. Ignoring the Washington and London Naval Conference, Japan began building naval ships in preparation for war. Japan also attacked and invaded China. Germany took over Austria and Czechoslovakia and gained more land. Italy annexed Albania knowing that Germany would back them up. All of these events led up to the start of World War II. But, the final event before World War II began was Germany's attack on Poland. Luckily, Great Britain and France were both there to help Poland in their time of need.


Germany and Italy, in our present situation, are in control of Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France, Romania, Greece, and Yugoslavia. Something needs to be done to stop Germany and Italy from taking over even more countries. Japan has invaded Indochina and increased its forces. We have created the Lend-Lease Act to help out the Allies with materials to fight against the Axis Powers. And lastly, Germany has invaded Russia.


The Axis Powers are quickly gaining territory and power. They need to be stopped as soon as possible. The Allies have fought back as hard as they could, but I think they are in need of help. I think that it is time for us, the United States, to let go of our neutrality and join the war against the Axis Powers. This is not something I want to do, but if something isn't done soon, who knows what will stop Germany from taking over even more than it already has. We could potentially be a future target and I want to do everything in my power to prevent that and to help out the Allies.