in 1939 the immediate response of the united states to the start of world war 2 in europe was to
World War II In November 1939, the United States, who were taking measures to assist China and the Western Allies, amended the Neutrality Act to allow "cash and carry" purchases by the Allies.[103] In 1940, following the German capture of Paris, the size of the United States Navy was significantly increased. In September the United States further agreed to a trade of American destroyers for British bases.[104] Still, a large majority of the American public continued to oppose any direct military intervention in the conflict well into 1941.[105]