Events with tag - Foreign Policy

December 29, 1940

Arsenal of Democracy Speech

President Roosevelt's historic radio address pledging American industrial might to support Allied nations during World War II. This 37-minute fireside chat transformed U.S. foreign policy and mobilized unprecedented industrial support for the war effort.

March 11, 1941

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, authorized the United States to provide military aid and supplies to Allied nations during World War II. This pivotal legislation effectively ended American neutrality and transformed the U.S. into the 'Arsenal of Democracy.'

March 11, 1941

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was a groundbreaking U.S. program that provided military aid worth $50 billion to Allied nations during World War II. Initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it marked America's transition from neutrality to active support of Allied forces against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

July 26, 1941

US Oil Embargo Against Japan

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order implementing a complete oil embargo against Japan and freezing Japanese assets in the United States. This action was taken in response to Japan's military expansion in Asia and occupation of French Indochina.

June 5, 1942

US Declares War on Three Axis Nations

On June 5, 1942, the United States formally declared war on Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, expanding its military engagement in World War II beyond Japan and Germany. This strategic decision came as these nations had aligned themselves with Nazi Germany, providing crucial military support and resources to the Axis powers.

June 5, 1947

Marshall Plan Announcement

Secretary of State George C. Marshall announces a massive economic recovery program for post-World War II Europe at Harvard University, committing $13 billion in American aid to rebuild war-torn European nations.

May 1, 1950

US Involvement in Vietnam War

The Vietnam War began with US providing $10 million in military aid to French forces in 1950, gradually escalating to full combat operations by 1965 following the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964.

April 7, 1954

Introduction of the Domino Theory

President Dwight D. Eisenhower introduced the Domino Theory during a press conference, establishing a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy that suggested communist takeover of one nation would lead to communist expansion in neighboring countries.

February 21, 1972

Nixon's China Visit

President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in February 1972 marked a pivotal moment in US-China relations, ending decades of hostility and establishing diplomatic ties between the world's most powerful democracy and the most populous communist nation.

November 4, 1979

Iran Hostage Crisis

On November 4, 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. This crisis severely impacted U.S.-Iran relations and contributed to President Jimmy Carter's defeat in the 1980 election.

July 11, 1995

US-Vietnam Diplomatic Normalization

President Bill Clinton formally established diplomatic relations with Vietnam on July 11, 1995, marking a historic turning point in post-Vietnam War relations. This decision ended two decades of hostility and opened new opportunities for economic cooperation and regional stability.

May 1, 2003

Bush's Mission Accomplished Speech

President George W. Bush delivered a controversial speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln declaring the end of major combat operations in Iraq, featuring the infamous 'Mission Accomplished' banner. The speech, while initially boosting public support, later became a symbol of premature celebration as the Iraq War continued for years beyond this declaration.