The Neutrality Acts were a series of laws passed from 1935-1941 to limit US involvement in future wars. They were based on the memory of WWI & fear that the US could be drawn into another foreign war through loans & trade with warring nations.

-President FDR was tasked with finding the balance between keeping the US out and keeping Europe safe...

Neutral: not helping or supporting either side in a conflict

Conditions in Europe

Hitler has been in power for 2 years and the Nuremberg Laws are in effect. Mussolini has been the dictator of Italy since 1926 and continues to expand his empire by invading other countries.

*Exporting arms & munitions to nations at war is prohibited

*Any American citizen traveling into war zones do so at their own risk

*No warring nations will receive loans from the United States

Neutrality Act of 1935

Belligerent- Countries currently at war or involved in armed conflict

A civil war broke out on Spain in 1936 with another fascist leader attempting to gain power. Fascist dictators seem to be around every corner.

Conditions in Europe

You are a Congressman and have the power to update the Neutrality Acts...

Would you alter America's stance on neutrality? Adjust your stance on your paper.

Neutrality Act of 1937

+American citizens are forbidden from traveling on ships of warring nations

+U.S. merchant ships are forbidden from transporting weapons to warring nations

+The U.S. Government can ban warring-nations' ships from U.S. waters

+The U.S. Government has the right to stop trading any goods with any country it deems necessary.

Conditions in Europe

Germany has invaded Austria, the Rhineland, the Sudetenland, and the rest of Czechoslovakia by March of 1939. France, Britain, and the rest of Europe are still struggling financially due to the Depression and preparing for an armed conflict with Germany.

You are a U.S. Congressman and have power to update the Neutrality Acts.

Would you alter America's stance on neutrality? Adjust your stance on your paper.

Neutrality Act of 1939

+"Cash and Carry" Policy : warring nations are allowed to buy items/weapons if they pay in cash and transport the goods on their own ships