Lend-Lease Act 1941: Supporting Britain — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.6.3
RI.6.4
W.6.2

About This Reader

This rigorous history reading passage explores the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, focusing on the causes, motivations, and consequences of the United States' decision to provide vital aid to Britain during World War II. Students will analyze multiple perspectives, such as those of American leaders, British officials, and isolationists, as well as the complexities and contradictions of U.S. neutrality. The passage integrates a primary source quote from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and models the use of historical reasoning and evidence for middle school readers. Activities include a detailed glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer to deepen understanding. The resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and features both read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation to support a broad range of learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Washington, D.C. Feb., 1943. Lend-Lease hearings before U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee" by Palmer, Alfred T. / Library of Congress.

The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy during World War II. As war raged in Europe, Britain fought against Nazi Germany with limited resources. The United States, while officially neutral, faced a difficult dilemma: should it stay out of the conflict or help Britain survive? This question divided American leaders and citizens, revealing the complex balance between isolationism and international responsibility.

By 1940, Britain stood nearly alone against Adolf Hitler’s forces. Supplies of food, weapons, and ships were running dangerously low. President Franklin D. Roosevelt believed that supporting Britain was essential not only for Britain’s survival but also for the security of the United States. Roosevelt argued, “We must be the great arsenal of democracy,” urging Americans to understand the threat posed by Nazi Germany. Some Americans, called isolationists, strongly disagreed. They feared that any help to Britain would drag the United States into war. Others viewed aid as a necessary step to protect democratic values worldwide.

The problem was complicated by existing U.S. laws, which made it illegal to sell weapons to countries at war. Roosevelt’s administration proposed a solution: instead of selling arms, the United States would “lend” or “lease” them to Britain and other Allies. The Lend-Lease Act, passed by Congress in March 1941 after heated debate, empowered the president to provide military supplies to nations whose defense was considered vital to American interests. This act sidestepped earlier legislation and provided a legal way to support Britain without direct involvement in the fighting.

British leaders, including Prime Minister Winston Churchill, welcomed the Lend-Lease Act with relief. For them, American aid meant survival. Churchill described Lend-Lease as “the most unsordid act in the history of any nation,” emphasizing its importance for the Allied cause. British citizens saw the steady arrival of food, aircraft, and tanks as evidence of American friendship. The supplies also helped boost British morale during the darkest days of the war.

On the other hand, critics in the United States raised concerns about the risks of Lend-Lease. Some members of Congress argued that sending weapons abroad would leave America defenseless if it were attacked. Others questioned whether Britain could ever repay the massive debts it owed. These debates highlighted the contradiction in U.S. policy: the country wished to help defeat Nazi Germany but hesitated to commit to full involvement in the war. Despite the controversy, the Lend-Lease Act passed by a wide margin, showing that many Americans recognized the growing threat overseas.

The consequences of the Lend-Lease Act were significant. Between 1941 and 1945, the United States sent more than $50 billion worth of supplies to Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and other Allies. This support helped keep Britain in the war until the United States itself entered after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The Lend-Lease program also strengthened diplomatic ties between the United States and its Allies, laying the groundwork for postwar cooperation and the creation of international organizations like the United Nations.

In summary, the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 represented a bold decision by the United States to support countries resisting aggression, even while officially remaining neutral. It showed how leaders and citizens weighed the risks and benefits of involvement in global events. The act’s legacy continues to shape debates about America’s role in the world today.

Interesting Fact: The United States did not ask for payment for most of the supplies it sent under Lend-Lease. Instead, many Allied countries repaid the U.S. with goods, services, or long-term agreements after the war.

When was the Lend-Lease Act passed?

March 1941December 1941June 1940September 1939

Who was the U.S. president in 1941?

Franklin D. RooseveltWinston ChurchillHarry S. TrumanAdolf Hitler

Which country mainly benefited first from Lend-Lease?

BritainChinaSoviet UnionGermany

Why did some Americans oppose Lend-Lease?

Feared entering the warSupported GermanyWanted more taxesHated Britain

What was a consequence of Lend-Lease?

Strengthened AlliesStarted the warEnded isolationismHelped Germany

What does 'neutral' mean in this context?

Not involvedLeading the warAllied with BritainAgainst the U.S.