The Lend-Lease Act, officially known as An Act to Promote the Defense of the United States, was a pivotal piece of legislation signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 11, 1941. This act allowed the United States to supply military aid to any country whose defense was considered vital to the security of the U.S., during World War II.
Before the Lend-Lease Act, the U.S. had adopted a policy of neutrality towards European conflicts, particularly after the passage of the Neutrality Acts in the mid-1930s. However, with the expansion of Nazi Germany across Europe and the threat to the United Kingdom, public sentiment and policy began to shift. The fall of France in June 1940 and the subsequent Battle of Britain led to an urgent need for American support for the Allies.
The Lend-Lease Act was introduced to Congress on January 10, 1941, following the "Arsenal of Democracy" speech by President Roosevelt. The act authorized the President to "sell, transfer title to, exchange, lease, lend, or otherwise dispose of" any defense article for any country whose defense the President deems vital to the defense of the United States. The primary recipients of aid under this act were:
The Lend-Lease Act had several profound effects:
The Lend-Lease Act was formally terminated in September 1945, following the end of World War II. However, its legacy continued through various economic aid programs post-war, like the Marshall Plan. The act demonstrated the U.S. commitment to supporting democratic nations against aggression, influencing future international relations and security policies.