There must be a return to a belief in the pledged word, in the value of a signed treaty. There must be recognition of the fact that national morality is as vital as private morality.”
“There is a solidarity and interdependence about the modern world, both technically and morally, which makes it impossible for any nation completely to isolate itself from economic and political upheavals in the rest of the world, especially when such upheavals appear to be spreading and not declining. There can be no stability or peace either within nations or between nations except under laws and moral standards adhered to by all International anarchy destroys every foundation for peace. It jeopardizes either the immediate or the future security of every nation, large or small. It is, therefore, a matter of vital interest and concern to the people of the United States that the sanctity of international treaties and the maintenance of international morality be …show more content…
America hopes for peace. Therefore, America actively engages in the search for peace.”
Rest of the world is in turmoil
FDR believes that it is America’s obligation as a nation to “engage in the search for peace”
From a moral standpoint, the United States is connected to the rest of the world -- all nations connected to other nations of world → therefore IMPOSSIBLE to stand idly by and let belligerent countries wreak havoc on innocent ones
World War II conflict growing stronger, US still not involved -- FDR recognizes that not just about economic involvement, but about working to maintain peace for the world, as that is a necessary part of maintaining peace for America-- FDR’s Atlantic Charter (August 14, 1941) + Lend Lease Act (March 11, 1941) and--
Atlantic Charter
Lend-Lease
Allowed president to provide arms/other defense materials (the money for which had been appropriated by Congress) to “the government of any country whose defense the President deems vital to the defense of the United States”
Allowed US to support war interests without being overly involved in the violence