US History: Neutrality Acts Flashcards

Neutrality Acts Overview

• A series of legislative measures aimed at maintaining U.S. neutrality during foreign conflicts.
• Designed to prevent American involvement in wars, while allowing trade with warring nations under certain conditions.

Neutrality Act of 1935

• Imposed an embargo on arms sales to warring countries.
• Declared that Americans traveling on ships belonging to belligerent nations assumed their own risk.

Neutrality Act of 1936

• Established an embargo on loans to nations engaged in conflict.
• Aimed at limiting U.S. financial involvement and influence in foreign wars.

Neutrality Act of 1937

• Prohibited the shipment of arms to either side in the Spanish Civil War.
• Reflected growing concerns about the impact of foreign interventions in Spain.

Neutrality Act of 1939

• Allowed nations involved in conflict to purchase goods and military arms from the U.S.
• Required cash payment and mandated that countries transport the merchandise on their own ships, marking a shift towards more engagement.

This quiz focuses on the key neutrality acts in US history, specifically the Neutrality Acts of 1936, 1937, and 1939. Test your knowledge on the definitions and implications of these acts and how they influenced American foreign policy. Ideal for students studying US history during the interwar period.