14.3 - America Enters WWII

In the decades between World War I and the attack on Pearl Harbor, tensions between Japan and the United States were primarily caused by

• Japan feeling threatened by the U.S. presence in Asia and the Pacific.

• American attempts to take over Japanese-controlled territory.

• the refusal of the U.S. to trade any natural resources with Japan.

• Japanese attacks on U.S. ships trading with China.

After the United States entered World War II,

• the economy failed to improve.

• the federal government seized control of factories in order to increase war production.

• the military did not expand quickly until after the creation of the draft.

• American women and minorities found new opportunities.

The Battle of Coral Sea was significant because

• it allowed Japan to take control of the Philippines.

• it marked the first time that American bombers had attacked the Japanese home islands.

• it secured important oil and rubber supplies for Japan.

• it stopped Japan's advance into the Pacific and boosted American confidence.