History
1. Read the following articles:
“Becoming the Arsenal of Democracy” on the National World War II Museum web page.
“The Arsenal of Democracy” on the Global Security website.
“American Sent Gear to the USSR to help win World War II”
2. Watch the following primary source video: President Franklin Roosevelt’s “Great Arsenal of Democracy” December 29, 1940 Fireside Chat radio address—you can also read a transcript of the address. Roosevelt gave this address one year prior to the American entrance into the Second World War following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
FDR Transcript
3. Write a one-page, 250 word essay explaining why American war production helped ensure an Allied victory in the Second World War. In your essay, quote directly from Roosevelt’s “Arsenal of Democracy” speech.
4. Optional: For fun watch the following skit from Saturday Night Live.