Lend-Lease facts for kids
Lend-Lease was a special plan started by the United States government just before World War II. At that time, the U.S. wanted to stay out of the war. But they also wanted to help countries fighting against the Axis Powers (like Germany and Japan). These countries were called the Allied Powers, and they included Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
Through Lend-Lease, the U.S. sent billions of dollars worth of important supplies. This included weapons, food, and other things needed for the war. In return, the Allied countries let the U.S. use their air and naval bases around the world. They also promised to pay back some money later, which they did until 2006.
Contents
Why Lend-Lease Started
Before World War II began, many countries in Europe were already fighting. The United States wanted to stay neutral, meaning they didn't want to pick a side. However, President Franklin D. Roosevelt believed that helping the Allies was important for U.S. safety. He knew that if the Allies lost, the U.S. might be in danger too.
Helping Friends Without Joining the Fight
The U.S. had laws that made it hard to sell weapons to countries at war. These laws were called the Neutrality Acts. But as the war grew, President Roosevelt found a way to help. He suggested a new plan: the U.S. would "lend" or "lease" supplies to countries whose defense was vital to America's own safety. This was like lending a garden hose to a neighbor whose house was on fire. You wouldn't ask for money right away, but you'd want the hose back later.
What Was Sent and Received
The Lend-Lease program sent a huge amount of help to the Allies. This included:
- Weapons: Tanks, airplanes, ships, guns, and ammunition.
- Vehicles: Trucks and jeeps for moving troops and supplies.
- Food: Millions of tons of food to feed soldiers and civilians.
- Raw Materials: Things like oil, steel, and chemicals needed for factories.
In return, the U.S. received important things too. The Allies allowed the U.S. to use their military bases around the world. This helped the U.S. military move troops and supplies more easily. They also provided some supplies back to the U.S., like maps or services. The Allies also agreed to pay back some money for the supplies after the war. The final payment for Lend-Lease was made by Great Britain in 2006.
Who Received Lend-Lease Aid
The biggest recipients of Lend-Lease aid were:
- Great Britain: They received the most help, especially early in the war when they were fighting Germany alone.
- Soviet Union: After Germany attacked the Soviet Union in 1941, they received a lot of tanks, planes, and trucks.
- China: They also received aid to help them fight against Japan.
- France and other Allied nations also received some help.
Impact of Lend-Lease
Lend-Lease was very important for the Allies winning World War II. It allowed countries like Britain and the Soviet Union to keep fighting even when their own resources were low. It showed that the United States was committed to helping the Allies, even before officially joining the war. This program helped create a strong bond between the U.S. and its future allies. It also helped the U.S. prepare its own factories for war production.
Images for kids
-
House of Representatives bill # 1776, p.1
-
Food aid from the United States: British pupils wave for the camera as they receive plates of bacon and eggs.
-
A Valentine tank destined for the Soviet Union leaves the factory in Britain.
-
British Mk III 'Valentine' destroyed in the Soviet Union, January 1944
-
Warsaw 1945: Willys jeep used by the Polish First Army as part of U.S. Lend-Lease program
-
BM-13N Katyusha on a Lend-Lease Studebaker US6 truck, at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Ley de Préstamo y Arriendo para niños
