Prior to the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the United States' political position was defined by a strict policy of official neutrality and isolationism. While the Roosevelt administration was ideologically sympathetic to the Allied powers (Britain and France) and opposed to Nazi aggression, the American public and Congress were overwhelmingly opposed to entering another European war. Key aspects of America's pre-1939 policy included: The Neutrality Acts (1935–1937): Congress passed a series of acts designed to prevent the U.S. from being drawn into foreign wars by banning the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent nations. "Cash and Carry" (1937): This policy allowed the U.S. to sell non-military goods to belligerents, provided they paid immediately in cash and transported the items on their own ships. Isolationist Sentiment: Widespread belief in the 1930s held that U.S. intervention in World War I had been a mistake driven by bankers and munitions makers, fueling a strong desire to avoid "foreign entanglements". Domestic Focus: The U.S. government was primarily focused on the economic recovery of the Great Depression. "Neutral in Thought" Disclaimer: When war broke out, President

Franklin D. Roosevelt declared official neutrality, though he famously stated that he could not ask Americans to remain "neutral in thought as well".Transition to "Cash and Carry" on Arms (1939) Immediately following the invasion of Poland, Roosevelt began a push to change the laws to assist the Allies. In November 1939, Congress passed a new Neutrality Act that lifted the arms embargo, allowing the sale of weapons to belligerent nations on a "cash and carry" basis, which, in practice, favored Britain and France. Note: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence. 

References 

• "Military history of the United States during World War II," Wikipedia.
• "US Prepares for Involvement in World War II," NVL Hawaii.
• "World War II and US economic recovery," EBSCO.
• "Franklin D. Roosevelt: Foreign Affairs," Miller Center.