How did the U.S. respond to the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s?

The response of the U.S. to the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s is best characterized by an initial stance of isolationism, which later transitioned into support for Allied nations, particularly through the Lend-Lease program.

In the early part of the decade, the prevailing attitude in the United States was one of isolationism, influenced by the trauma and disillusionment resulting from World War I. Many Americans were reluctant to become embroiled in foreign conflicts again and preferred to focus on domestic issues. However, as fascist regimes gained power in Europe—most notably Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy—the threat they posed began to resonate more within U.S. policy discussions.

By 1940, the U.S. recognized the necessity of supporting countries that were resisting fascist aggression. The Lend-Lease Act, passed in March 1941, marked a significant shift in policy, allowing the U.S. to supply military aid to Allied nations such as Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China without directly entering the conflict. This program helped bolster the war efforts of these nations while maintaining the U.S. position of not actively engaging in combat until the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.